STANWOOD-CAMANO SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 30, 2019, SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Julie Dean called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM In the Administration & Resource Center Boardroom.
ROLL CALL
Board members present: Al Schreiber, Julie Dean, Chad Lewis and Ken Christoferson. Julie Dean stated Natalie Hagglund was absent (excused) due to a prior commitment.
FLAG SALUTE
Julie Dean led the Pledge of Allegiance
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Jean Shumate shared about three citizen complaints received via email at the district office from Kelly McGill, Melissa O’Neill, and Kassandra Burnham regarding campaign activities and a request for a third-party investigation. Dr. Shumate shared the emails were forwarded to the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) and the PDC responded they have procedural requirements that do not allow them to accept forwarded complaints and the complainants must file directly. Dr. Shumate added the three individuals who emailed the district were notified of the PDC’s requirement.
COMMENTS BY CITIZENS
The citizens listed below gave public comment which included: concerns about board member involvement in campaign activities, requests for a third-party investigation regarding election impropriety, transparency, school board proceedings/meeting time, requests for resignation, and concerns regarding violation of RCW 42.17A.555 and district policies 1220 and 5252.
George Zeigen, Stanwood WA
Melissa O’Neill, Stanwood, WA
Lindsay Spoor, Stanwood WA
Kelly McGill, Stanwood WA
Tim Schmitt, Stanwood WA
Amy Sellers, Stanwood WA
Robert Shelley, Camano Island WA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:29 AM, Julie Dean announced the Board would recess to Executive Session until 9:30 AM for the purpose of discussion and no action would be taken. A member of the audience asked if the Executive Session could be open to the public. At 8:30 AM, Julie Dean confirmed the Board would recess to Executive Session.
RECONVENE SPECIAL MEETING
At 9:30 AM, Julie Dean reconvened the Special Meeting. Ms. Dean stated the board carefully considered the complaints received from Mr. McGill, Ms. O’Neill, and Ms. Burnham and those who provided public comment. She stated the Board does not endorse or oppose any candidate in the upcoming School Board elections. Ms. Dean reiterated the superintendent referred the matter to the PDC and was subsequently informed the PDC does not accept referred complaints. Ms. Dean stated that given these considerations, the Board encourages community members who are concerned about the improper use of district resources to support an election campaign submit a complaint to the PDC and added the District will fully cooperate in any resulting investigation.
ADJOURNMENT
Julie Dean adjourned the special meeting at 9:31 AM.
STANWOOD-CAMANO SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
___________________________________________
President
___________________________________________
Vice President
___________________________________________
Director
___________________________________________
Director
___________________________________________
Director
Attest:
____________________________
Jean Shumate, Ed.D.
Secretary to the Board
_____________________________
Date of Approval