BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Bellingham, Washington

 

SPECIAL HEARING ON BEA PROPOSAL TO

CANCEL SCHOOL ON JANUARY 14, 2003

 

OF THE

 

BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

November 18, 2002

 

 

      The Bellingham School Board of Directors met for a special hearing at 6:30 p.m.,

November 18, 2002 in the Whatcom Middle School auditorium.  The purpose was to discuss and hear comments about the BEA proposal to cancel school on January 14, 2003 to attend a WEA rally and the Governor’s state address, and extend the school year by one day.

 

      Present:  Directors Ken Gass, Jeff Haggen, Steve Schoenfeld, and Ann Whitmyer, President Elaine Lynch, Superintendent Dale Kinsley, and recorder Shirley Knapp.

 

      At 6:32 p.m. President Elaine Lynch began the meeting by explaining the format for the meetings.  “Pro” and “con” sign-up sheets were provided for those who wished to speak to the Board.  Lynch also read an opening statement from the Board addressing their concerns about the impacts on education due to the deficit in the state budget.  The Board suggested rather than closing school to send a contingent of Board members, teachers, staff, and community members to the rally.

 

      BEA President Shirley Potter gave an opening statement outlining the Union’s position and stating their concerns about cuts in education funding.  She amended the proposal by suggesting to exchange the January 14 day for the February 14 LID Day rather than extending the school year.

 

      The following individuals spoke in favor of the BEA proposal:

 

      Eleanor Kruzich (1910 Samish Way) BASE co-president stated that the BASE representatives voted on November 12, to actively participate in the January 14 “Day of Action.”

 

      David Thurmond (1417 Mill Ave) retired teacher supported the BEA proposal.

 

      Chris Carty (19844 Koehn Rd) teacher spoke in support of the proposal.

 

      Tammy Koch (2620 Crestline Dr.) teacher/parent was in favor of the BEA proposal.

 

      Julie Batten (2030 Valleybrook Ln) teacher/parent supported the proposal.

 

      Kathy Dorr (2358 Yew St Rd) teacher/community member was in support of the teacher’s proposal.

 

      Hugh Allen (4002 Academy St) teacher spoke in favor of the proposal.

 

      Krista Gordon (2015 Evening Star Ln) instructional assistant supported the proposal stressing the statement made by taking a big group.

 

Susan Smith (3119 Cowgill) parent fully supported the BEA proposal and also stressed the importance of a large group.

 

Dean Carpenter (2014 H St) SEIU member, maintenance, supported the BEA and encourage the Board to show their support.

 

Carolyn Hinshaw (4447 Moresby) teacher stressed the importance of having a “big voice.”

 

John Kapple (1800 Rainier Ave) SEIU Union Representative supported the importance of making a big statement to the legislature.

 

Bill Palmer (103 E Illinois) spoke in support of the proposal.

 

      Jennifer Dole parent PTA member supported the teacher’s proposal.

 

      Jennifer Kohn parent was in favor of the proposal.

 

      Velma Wendt community member stressed the importance of taking a large group because legislators count the number.

 

      Jim Cozad urged the Board to join with the teacher’s stating that lobbying won’t work.

 

      Wayne Foote community member supported the BEA proposal.

 

      Andrew Harris  (917 36th St) was originally opposed to the proposal, but now supports the amended proposal, which won’t extend the school year.

 

      Kerry Chappell parent also changed her position as a result of the amended proposal.

 

      The following individuals spoke against the proposal:

     

      Susan Richardson (2935 Martin St) parent, site council, did not believe closing schools was the most effective way to send a message.

 

      Jaime Smith (3645 E Rusley Dr) parent, site council, PTSA, did not support the BEA proposal.  She felt the most effective tool was to educate parents.

 

     

      Shirley Potter gave a closing statement urging the Board to support the teachers.  She stressed the importance of maintaining state funding. 

 

      Elaine Lynch thanked everyone for attendance and stated that the Board is also concerned about state support for educational programs.  She stated the importance of getting the message to the community and asked for support by the media.

 

The meeting concluded at 7:28 p.m.