Medical Lake School board approves policies

The Medical Lake School board of directors wrapped up another year Dec. 16 with a short meeting.

In action items, the board approved the first reading of the updated policy P2161 — Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students. The update includes new language that pertains to how a student is eligible for special education services.

The board also approved policy P2162 — Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 — which states that restraint or the isolation of students who have a Section 504 plan will be authorized only under limited circumstances specified in district Policy/Procedure 3247. The policy also states that each incident will require reporting and notifying parents/guardian.

The board also conducted its annual election of officers. The positions remained the same with Rod Von Lehe as board president, Peggy Schweikhardt as vice president, Kelly Fouts as Legislative representative and Ron Cooper as the WIAA representative.

The board also approved a three-year contract between the district and the Public School Employees of Washington.

“Negotiations went well and we’re able to provide additional things for members,” Superintendent Tim Ames said.

During his Superintendent’s report, Ames gave an update on the renewal of the operations and maintenance levy annually for three years (2016, 2017 and 2018). The levy rate will remain at $2.20 per $1,000 assessed property valuation and will bring in approximately $1.2 million to the district per year. Ames said staff sent out a newsletter to parents explaining the purpose of the levy.

“This will continue to support school programs and activities such as band drama and athletics,” Ames said.

Voters will decide on the levy on a Feb. 10, 2015 ballot.

In other business:

● The board approved a three-year service plan between Leo’s Photography and Hallett Elementary.

● They approved the surplus of two 1995 Bluebird TC 2000 buses and one 1999 Freightliner/Bluebird bus.

● Wil-Anthony Noble, Medical Lake High School senior class president, gave a presentation on having fundraisers at Cheney lanes/Rosa’s Pizza, Froyo and Subway in 2015 to help raise money for the senior all-nighter.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].