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.

Bryan Brockie - Director of Maintenance & Operations

Jenn Sea - Director of Transportation

Stephanie Krahenbuhl - Director of Nutrition Services

Marlin Howell - Director of Technology

During the session, directors from the Maintenance and Operations, Transportation, Nutrition Services, and Technology departments presented the board with comprehensive updates regarding their respective areas.

By sharing their personal journeys and introducing their teams, they highlighted the various successes and obstacles encountered in managing the daily logistics essential for maintaining a successful learning environment within the district.

Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was approved as presented.

Bright Spots

ASB Updates
Representatives from Wenatchee and WestSide High School provided an update on events happening at their schools.

Citizens' Comments
There were no citizen comments.

Special Presentations

Fire Prevention Program
Former firefighter Mike Hughes is developing a concise 30-minute educational session regarding fire safety tailored for third-grade classrooms. This initiative intends to provide students with essential preventative knowledge through a direct instructional format and interactive inquiry. Mr. Hughes would like to coordinate with the district to facilitate these vital safety presentations for every third-grade section.

Athletics Update

📄WE are Wenatchee Presentation
During the Athletics Update, Director BJ Kuntz reflected on her inaugural year, emphasizing the importance of ownership, communication, and cultivating relationships. Her strategic focus centers on four primary pillars: Wenatchee High School, Middle School, ASB, and the utilization of facilities. Within these areas, she manages critical components such as compliance, student participation, staffing, risk mitigation, equipment and scheduling logistics, and facility oversight.

Director Kuntz extended her appreciation to the various operational departments, including HR, custodial staff, security, maintenance, and transportation, for their essential collaboration and support.

Her initial observations highlight a community and student body eager for competition and partnership, supported by dedicated parents and coaches committed to collective growth.

Looking ahead, the department aims to refine its vision and invest further in coaching development. Key priorities include student wellness, injury prevention, and academic rigor. By enhancing communication systems and relational ties, the district seeks to improve operational efficiency and expand athletic participation for every student.

Comprehensive School Counseling Program
📄 School Board Presentation
Counselors spanning the elementary, middle, and high school levels presented a detailed overview of the various resources and assistance programs they facilitate for district students and their families.

The district utilizes 21 master's-level counselors, maintaining a 1:320 ratio to foster social-emotional, career, and academic development. Level-specific representatives outlined their holistic delivery models.

John Newbery Elementary Counselor Jessica Guerin discussed the elementary framework, which includes classroom guidance, small group sessions, and individual support, while also leading tier 2 and child student teams.

At Orchard Middle School, Counselor Luis Perez described core functions such as master scheduling, program coordination, and collaboration with CVCH. Their work ensures compliance with CTE and High School and Beyond requirements, supports IEP/504 teams, and manages critical student transitions between school levels.

High school counselors, including Heather Rosa from WestSide, emphasize post-secondary planning, goal establishment, and career exploration. They implement mental health screenings to proactively identify student needs. WHS Counselor Ronda Brender highlighted the "Engage" event, which introduces incoming students to high school athletics, clubs, and resources. Furthermore, they facilitate Accelerated Pathways for earning college credits and AA degrees, alongside a High Honors Program for advanced learners.

With 220 college course registrations at WHS, students are experiencing academic rigor while achieving significant tuition savings.

At WestSide, Rosa provides specialized interventions for trauma, executive functioning, and mental health. The department manages pacing guides for seven distinct programs and assists students with vital community resources, including housing, legal aid, and parenting support.

Discussion

Policies - First Read

📄 First Read 4-28-26
The board reviewed and discussed Policy 6140.

Action

Policies - Second Read

📄 5401 - Sick Leave
📄 5403 - Emergency and Discretionary Leaves
📄 5404 - Family and Medical Leave

The board approved policy 5401, 5403 and 5404.

Superintendent Report
Superintendent Kalahar shared a report to the board on the following items:

• Ongoing collaborative efforts for the bond include meetings with the Student Design Team, Priority Design, and Design Advisory groups. Public outreach continues through NCWLIFE interviews, an informational booth at the Apple Blossom Youth Parade, and a community Open House hosted at Wenatchee High School. Additional avenues for public participation and feedback will be facilitated in the coming months.
• During the previous Thursday, activities he attended included observing the Science on Wheels program at Sunnyslope Elementary and participating in AVID mock interviews at Wenatchee High School. Engagement continued at WestSide High School with the Sheena Town Financial Simulation, followed by attendance at the Chamber Banquet that evening.
• Opening Night of Legally Blonde is coming up. Board Directors Siderius and Belton are in the show and have a dress rehearsal tonight.

Board Communication

• Board President Jackson acknowledged the absence of Directors Siderius and Belton, who were attending a dress rehearsal for the theatrical production of Legally Blonde. He commended the exemplary student performances showcased at Memorial Park during the Apple Blossom Festival. Additionally, President Jackson participated in the Sheena Town financial simulation, where he valued the opportunity to engage with students through experiential learning. He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the district directors who provided insightful departmental updates during the recent board workshops.

Executive Session
The board adjourned into executive session. No action was taken.

Adjournment

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