School Board Meeting Summary

The Wenatchee School Board provides a "Board Meeting Summary Briefing" after each Board meeting. The summary includes a short description of the main topics and action items. These summaries are not meant to replace minutes. The minutes for each meeting are approved and posted after the next regularly scheduled meeting.

📁 Board packets including presentations and reports are available on our website.

📹 Meetings live-streamed and archived on our YouTube Channel.

Consent Agenda

The consent agenda was approved as presented.

District Spotlights

Special Presentations

Trevor Carlson - Bond Tax Rates
📄 Bond Issue Planning _Wenatchee SD

Trevor Carlson of Piper Sandler, serving as the district's bond underwriter, provided an overview regarding projected bond tax rates. He noted that expansion in the local tax base driven by new development serves to reduce individual taxpayer rates. Because bonds represent a fixed monetary amount, tax base growth does not yield additional revenue for the district; rather, it distributes the cost across a larger pool of contributors, effectively lowering individual obligations. Piper Sandler employs conservative modeling featuring a 3% assessed value growth rate when calculating projections, despite ongoing construction activity expanding the district base (excluding Port projections). Furthermore, the district's strong credit rating secures favorable interest terms. To minimize interest accrual and align cash flow with construction expenses, the bond issuance will occur in multiple sales, ensuring a stable, consistent tax rate across a 20-year timeline. Similar to a traditional residential mortgage, total interest is structured across the full loan duration. Demonstrating the impact of rising assessed values over time, the total levy rate dropped from $2.20 in 2014 to $2.10 currently.

Bond Update
Superintendent Kalahar reviewed outreach measures for the district bond campaign, highlighting educational outreach given across district staff and local groups.

WSD Professional Development Plan
Amber Birks, Director of Learning & Teaching, along with Eric Anderson, Executive Director of Learning & Teaching, presented a comprehensive summary detailing the district's professional development strategy for educators.

Discussion

Policies
📄 Policies 1st Read
The board discussed several policies for a first read.

Board Goals

The board discussed their shared board goals.

Action

The board approved the following resolutions:

Resolution 11-26 Capital Bond Signature Authority
📄 WSD Board Resolution Signature Authority.

Resolution 12-26 Resolution of New-in-Lieu Replacement Option

📄 WSD Board Resolution New-in-Lieu.

Superintendent Report
Superintendent Kalahar shared updates regarding several recent district highlights:

• Recognized the strong community attendance and success of the Fiestas Mexicanas event.

• Convened the first Superintendent’s Advisory Council session of the new year, focusing discussions on bond details and technology requirements.

• Highlighted the Panthers' victorious home opener football game.

• Noted high sales of WHS gear by the Booster Club, along with complimentary ice cream provided for fan appreciation.

Board Communication

• Director Norton expressed appreciation for the dialogue during the recent workshop and noted receiving positive community feedback regarding her published opinion piece. She also attended several local athletic contests.

• Director Belton encouraged attendance and participation in upcoming sign-waving efforts advocating for the capital bond measure.

• Director Iñiguez reported attending Fiestas Mexicanas, where she volunteered alongside a past board member. She noted Hand in Hand's participation in Citizenship and Constitution Day events, which showcased a local district family. Additionally, she attended the home football game, acknowledging support from the Booster Club and Sunnyslope Insurance. She also observed outreach from the Yes Committee at the Night Market and participated in door-to-door canvassing efforts on Sunday to encourage voter turnout.
• President Jackson highlighted the encouraging visibility of campaign signage and broad community involvement. He noted that ongoing conversations reflect a strong public interest in gaining further details on the bond proposal. Additionally, he reported high student engagement and many new participants during the recent Superintendent’s Advisory Council meeting.

Executive session adjournment

Board meeting calendar