LETTER: Kimball Administration callous in not allowing student to participate in graduation ceremony.

LETTER:  The high school graduation ceremony is an academic and social event for students, friends, and family members to celebrate the completion of more than 12 years of education. For most teenagers, the high school graduation ceremony is a special, exciting milestone in their lives that is held only once for each graduating high school class in May or June.  Student “R.S.” (diagnosed with a mild mood disorder) wanted to be included in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration - he didn’t request that he receive his diploma without completing all of the requirements.

The two credits that he was short could have been made up during summer school, but there is no way to recreate the graduation ceremony and celebration with members of his class. This was obviously very important to him and to his family and the callousness of the Lake Washington School District in denying him the opportunity to participate in the graduation ceremony with his class is disturbing and unforgivable.

He could have walked and received an empty diploma envelope, as was the practice at my high school and at my college for students who were within 2 credits of graduation.

By Susan Wilkins, LWSD parent and PTSA volunteer
  ...in response to:  "Parents' request to let student "RS" participate during graduation ceremony is denied."

UPDATED EDITORIAL: Parents' request to let student participate during LW High graduation ceremony is denied

EDITORIAL:   UPDATED:  On June 4th 2012, four adult friends of  student "RS" got up to speak to the Lake Washington School Board and Superintendent about his mild mood disorder called Cyclothemia or "Bipolar III."   One speaker was his mother.  "RS" was a Senior at Lake Washington High, a 2-3 sport athlete and an honor roll student more than once. According to Mr. Keller, "He was on track to graduate until earlier this year when he came down with onset of  manic depression.  This child is a couple credits short of graduation."  

All four of RS's supporters asked the Board and Superintendent to make an exception and allow RS to Walk with his classmates during graduation ceremonies.  Mr. Phillips and Keller spoke up saying, "RS spent thirteen years in LWSD Kirkland schools growing up with his friends and their request was based on him staying with the group of kids he's been with his entire life.  He was a model citizen for Kirkland," said Phillips.  Phillips pleaded during his three minutes, "Right now RS feels ostracized and doesn't quite grasp why he can't graduate or complete things right now.  Let him Walk with his friends to at least give him dignity.  Hopefully, this summer he'll know his next assignment is to finish high school."

The school board was thoughtful and deliberative.  Director Chris Carlson recommended the Administration look for "a compassionate clause as for any illness" in the laws governing this plea.  Director Siri Bliesner recommended looking at the policy statement in the "504 medical component."  In the end, the Kimball Administration made the decision not to let RS walk.  (Dr. Kimball retires mid-July.)  According to Keller, David Larson, School Support for Lake Washington High, concluded verbally that RS wasn't disabled, he was never hospitalized and his psychiatrist diagnosed him with only the mild mood swings of  Bipolar III.

This RS story reminds me of my best friend in high school, "Robert."  He was voted "All School Boy Athlete" by his peers and graduated on the Honor Roll.   He and two girls got seriously drunk just before graduation and painted a neighbor's fence with slanderous graffiti and then on his high school gym.  He was allowed to walk - with all humility - only to have Bipolar 1 episodes his senior year in college and a diagnosis in 1980 seven years later.  Once  struck with a chronic illness one is always recovering.  The mortality rate from Bipolar I and II is 20% from suicide, he lost his brother to it, and  bounced back from multiple job losses. 

The bright spot for Robert and  RS is how far medications have come -- from the lithium trials of the mid  '60's - when "taken" with sobriety.   RS has plans to go to Bellevue College next year for his certificate.  I'm sure our LWSD community is 100% behind RS and wishes him a full recovery and a bright futrure in whatever career he chooses.

By Bob Yoder
Suggested reading:  "The stigma can hurt, badly," By Jim Colvin, author of "H.E.R.E. and Getting There," a book about designing treatment systems to reduce stigma.  "Wenatchee World," 7/8/2012.

Letter to Editor includes a response from the Kimball Administration and a new report from Yoder:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2012/07/letter-kimball-administration-callous.html

School Board approves interim construction financing for STEM, Redmond and Eastlake High Schools

Aerial update of STEM Project Site (April, 2012)

UPDATED:  The School board meeting this Monday was better attended by bond salesmen than citizens, as the board held a Hearing to approve two capital bond transactions, keeping STEM, Redmond High, and Eastlake High construction at running at full throttle.

One of the transactions, a $34 million LGO Bond sale, raised cash to cover short-term construction needs until the voter-approved "2012-2017 $65 million Capital Levy" dollars can catch up. The second board action raised $25 million from an aging  "2006 Eight-Year $436 million Capital Bond."  According to Barb Posthumus, district Business Services Manager,  a balance of $11 million remains of the original $436 million Bond.  

LGO's are "Limited Government Obligation" bonds and are non-voter approved.  Read More >>

OP-ED: The Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball's success seems premature

"Superintendent-elect" Dr. Traci Pierce at Redmond  City Hall "Meet and Greet"
Mayor John Marchione in background
Traci will implement Kimball's plan for re-alignment and performance improvements 

OP-ED:  Dr. Kimball initiated the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade realignment over two years ago and the transition won't take effect until Fall 2012 when students, teachers, sports schedules, curriculum, classroom assignments, bus routes and extra curricular activities will all be moved around and reshuffled on a grand scale affecting thousands of students. Will this turn out successfully for each and every student in the district? We've been reassured that *everything* is being taken care of and is under control, but I get the feeling from talking to other parents and kids that the middle schools and high schools will be stressed, if not chaotic, with the new grade assignments. Dr. Kimball is walking away before anyone knows if next year's transition will be a success or if it will be a painful, difficult mess that takes years to work through. I'm sorry, but I think Dr. Kimball packing up and leaving at this most critical time is rather irresponsible. A proclamation by the mayor of Dr. Kimball's great contribution and success seems premature and inappropriate.

By Anonymous on Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclam... on 4/8/12)
Photo:  Patch.com (Internet)

4/12/12: Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclamation

Dr. Chip Kimball
Superintendent, Lake Washington School District,  2007 - 2012

Read by Mayor John Marchione on March 27, 2012....

 PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball started his education career by teaching science at Madera High School in California; and  Read More >>

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball took his first administrative education job in the Fresno Unified School  District in California; and

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the university of Southern California in 1995, thus earning himself the title of doctor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has served the LWSD since 1996 in roles including Chief Information Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball's work has resulted in one of the most comprehensive and effective educational technology implementations in the country and he was recognized by eSchool News as one of ten 2010 Tech-Savvy Superintendents;and

WHEREAS, Lake Washington PTSA Council honored Dr. Kimball with its Outstanding Service Award, its highest honor, as someone who works for all children to help them achieve their potential; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has dedicated his career to the service of educating our children, so that every child is future-ready, prepared for college, prepared for the global workplace and prepared for personal success:

NOW, THEREFORE, I JOHN MARCHIONE, Mayor of the City of Redmond, do hereby reorganize 

DR. CHIP KIMBALL

for his valuable contributions to Redmond, the LWSD, and the eastside community; and I urge all residents to join me in honoring him. 

SIGNED:  John Marchione, Mayor, March 27, 2012

OP-ED:  Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball is premature...4/9/12 

COMMENTS:  The March 27 Redmond city council study session started with presentations from Dr. Chip Kimball and superintendent-elect Dr. Traci Pierce. Chip recalled being hired by Sup. Barnes in l996 as the district's first Chief Information Officer. He became Superintendent when Dr. Don Saul retired in 2007.

Chip decided to leave Redmond "after much consternation" and spend a term as Superintendent of Singapore School. He leaves in July. Dr. Kimball wants to grow his leadership as an educator from his experience in the global workplace of Asia, and apply it back home.

Dr. Kimball said he was proud of the 95% graduation rate at LWSD; that 70% enter college; accolades for International School, that Redmond High is rated in the top 50 of all high schools in the country and the district got 11 recognitions from the state in 2011.

Dr. Kimball was on the Executive Committee for the Chamber and a Director on the Redmond Economic Development Association. He stated emphatically that education IS the economic development engine."

Mayor John Marchione read a Proclamation from a plaque. After giving Dr. Kimball the plaque Chip said how he appreciated his partnership with John. "John was a wonderful partner. We had a "heads up agreement" we could pick up the phone and call each other..."   He said he lives in Redmond and looks forward to coming back home.

By Bob Yoder

http://www.lwsd.org/About/District-Admin/Pages/Superintendent-Bio.aspx

Dr. Traci Pierce begins transition into leadership

Sup. Chip Kimball

from the desk of Superintendent Chip Kimball to district staff...

"....There is great wisdom in the LWSD board selection of Traci Pierce as the next superintendent. She has a deep understanding of teaching and learning, knows Lake Washington well, and has all of the necessary skills to lead you into the future. I am extremely optimistic about the future of LWSD under her leadership.

Over the next three months you will see a deliberate transition in leadership as Traci develops her leadership team structure, sets district priorities, and communicates with you directly. She will be visiting with schools and departments, listening to staff, and you will have the opportunity to get to know her better. I am committed to working closely with her during this transition period to make sure she has adequate support as the incoming superintendent.

And while change and transition can indeed be personally and professionally challenging, it can also be exciting and life-giving. My greatest hope is that all of us will embrace the transition to a new school configuration, a new leader in Dr. Traci Pierce, and new challenges as we prepare students for the future."

Warm Regards, Chip
Outgoing Superintendent, LWSD
March 25, 2012 letter excerpt

Permit Appeals push back new STEM School. Eastlake High to house STEM School til late Fall, early Winter

UPDATED:  New STEM School to be housed temporarily at Eastlake High  Permitting delays push building opening back 

The Lake Washington School District’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School will open in the fall of 2012 in temporary quarters at Eastlake High School. Its permanent building, to be located next to Alcott Elementary School in Redmond, will not be ready in time for the opening of school. Delays in required permits have pushed back the expected completion date of the first phase of construction of the STEM School building to late fall or early winter.

Eastlake High School's capacity with increase to 1840 students to account for the reconfiguration next fall, a new classroom wing and other building additions.  The Renaissance School will move to protable classrooms.

Based on current projections, the school will be able to accommodate the two grades (9th and 10th) the STEM School will serve in its first year. “I am disappointed that this new school will be in temporary quarters for a while,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent, “but we are fortunate that Eastlake will be able to host it this fall. In future years, Eastlake will need that space.”  Read More >>

LWSD Board selects Dr. Traci Pierce as new superintendent

Dr. Traci Pierce

I've inserted the italicized paragraphs to Kathryrn Reith's press release for additional insight.  B.Y.

Dr. Traci Pierce, experienced educational leader to continue current initiatives

Redmond, Wash. – At its February 27 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Lake Washington School District unanimously voted to hire Dr. Traci Pierce, the district’s deputy superintendent, instructional services, as the district’s new superintendent. Pending the negotiation of a contract, she will replace the departing Dr. Chip Kimball, who becomes superintendent of the Singapore American School on July 1.

President Jackie Pendergrass reviewed the selection process as follows:  In September, Kimball announced he was leaving the District.  November 7th, the Board conducted a survey of parents, staff, and the community.  December 5th, the Board (with Ravi) after interviews unanimously announced Traci Pierce as their "preferred candidate."  "Meet and Great" meetings were held at Sammamish, Redmond, Kirkland and the District headquarters for staff.  (20-30 people showed up at each meeting).  Twenty-six people submitted comments. BY 

Board member Dr. Chris Carlson said he "believes in brevity" on this, saying he heard little "negative stuff."  BY  Read More >>

LWSD Administrator Jane Todd holds Town Hall Meeting at Evergreen Junior High

RHS Principal Jane Todd at the podium w/ associates
 addressing the LWSD Board, 2009.  Her speech topic:
"Building culture at RHS" 

from the desk of  RHS District Principal Jane Todd to the Redmond High Community...

I had the pleasure of meeting with all the 8th and 9th graders at Evergreen Junior High School a couple
of weeks ago (don't worry, RJHS, your turn will come in early 2012.) Other administrators from both
EHS and RHS participated with me in a Town Meeting format. I have to first tell you I was absolutely
charmed by all their questions, but my favorite was: Student: "So, tell me about the parking lot
situation at Redmond High." Me: (after a significant pause in which I tried to determine the seriousness of the question) "Well, if you can drive - with a license to do so - you can get a parking pass." The student was in the 8th grade. Never let it be said these students do not plan ahead.

At the end of each session, we were asked by Jan Olson, Principal at EJHS, to give one piece of advice
that students could act on now. Mine was, "Reflect on who you are, what you have done to date to
meet the goals you have for yourself and what changes you may need to make for the future because
you will have a fresh start next fall." I went on to mention that there are only a few times in our lives
when we have the opportunity to start over with a fresh slate. Read More >>

Native American Indian students perform for LWSD school board to an overflowing audience.

Eastside Native American Indian students perform in School District chambers.

Eastside Native American Indian students perform in December 5 school board business meeting to recognize retiring School Board member Ravis Shahadi's 8 years of service. (See Ravi squirm.) Mary Wilber, Director of the Eastside Native American organization also recognized the services of departing Sup. Chip Kimball.

The district chambers were overflowing with various groups attending, including: Merit Scholar awardees and their parents, Sammamish parents and students lobbying for Eastlake athletic field uses, citizens speaking for a convenient STEM school location on Willows Road, and PTSA members and press awaiting the Board's superintendent announcement. Jane Todd, Principal RHS and past-Principal of Juanita High introduced the Merit Scholars.

Eastside Native American Indian Association:  http://www.eastsideindianed.org/  The organization serves three school districts  

Video report By Bob Yoder

UPDATED: LWSD School Configurations - Parent Night agendas - Parent / Student Guides

from the LWSD Admininistration...
5th / 6th Grade  GUIDE OR PARENTS & STUDENTS:   SCHOOL OPTIONS FOR CHOICE AND NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS.  Parent Night times and agendas

8th / 9th Grade  GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS:   HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS FOR CHOICE AND NEIGHBGORHOOD SCHOOLS.  Parent Night times & agendas

["Town Meeting" with Jane Todd, with family members on Jan. 18  (Soph) and Jan. 25 (Frosh), per Mustang Weekly]

FAQ - SCHOOL CONFIGURATION - fall of 2012
Answers to common questions about the move to middle schools and 4-year high schools.

Lake Washington School District will move from a grades K-6 elementary school, grades 7-9 junior high school and grades 10-12 high school system to a grades K-5 elementary school, grades 6-8 middle school and grades 9-12 high school system in the fall of 2012.

Q. Why is Lake Washington making this change?

A.  High school transcripts and college admissions consider high school to be grades nine through 12. When ninth grade students are in a junior high school, it can be difficult for them to realize that their academic work actually counts toward high school graduation and college admissions. Four-year high schools are more conducive to college readiness.
    Demographic trends in this district are for a need for increased capacity in the elementary schools over the next ten years. By moving one grade (sixth) out of the elementary schools, classroom space is freed up for more classes in other grades. The amount of additional building needed to house the four-year high schools was considerably less than would be needed at the elementary level if sixth grade stayed in those schools.

Q. What is the difference between a middle school and a junior high school?   Read More >>

Lake Washington School District Board announces Dr. Traci Pierce as preferred candidate for Superintendent

Dr. Traci Pierce

In last night's Lake Washington School District public business meeting, the school board announced Dr. Traci Pierce, PhD as their preferred candidate.  According to Director Kathryn Reith, the actual hiring vote won't take place until later in the spring.

A letter by School Board member Dr. Chris Carlson was read by the Board, announcing his reasoning for hiring an internal candidate - not losing momentum was key.  Dr. Carlson was not in attendance.

Dr. Carlson and Ravi Shahani said "hiring a superintendent was the only most important decision they make."  Senior school board member Doug Eglington said "six hours were spent interviewing the candidate as a Board" and "the board has done it's due diligence."  Doug stated there is "no statutory process for hiring a superintendent" and emphasized their "process was transparent."  Read More >>

LETTER: What are the School Board's requirements for their superintendent?

LETTER:  Does the Lake Washington School District have a list of the minimum requirements for the next superintendent?

The LWSD website listed the results of the survey and how people ranked the importance of instruction, operations management and management style;  but those were just opinions of the survey respondents based on predetermined survey questions.

What are the exact REQUIREMENTS that the superintendent candidate must meet in order to be considered for the position?

We need to know what the school board is really looking for so that we'll know if they're truly looking for the best candidate or have simply already decided on someone from within the district and are just pretending to conduct an internal search.

--By a Reader's comment to RNB story:  LW School District board looking for "internal" superintendent candidates.

UPDATED ON JANUARY 12: LW School District Board considering internal candidates for superintendent.

Pres. Jackie Pendergrass
and school board to decide.

Lake Washington School Board outlines next step for superintendent search

Opinion Updated 1/25:  The School Board will introduce their preferred candidate, Traci Pierce, to the community during "Meet and Greets" (M&G) this January.   Parents and the community are invited to give input to Board members.  Send your feedback to the Board by February 22 at board@lwsd.org and if you have your own preferred candidate let them and your neighbors know!   I like Traci a lot, but prefer Principal Jane Todd, Redmond High for her known community Leadership skills.  

UPDATED OPINION:  At their December 5 meeting the Lake Washington School Board will decide if they want to put forward an internal candidate for Superintendent. 

According to the Administration in a press release,  "the district is in the middle of a major initiative - changing its grade configuration - which will affect every school in the district."   Grade reconfiguration - along with growth pains from the new Stem School, RHS wing, and EHS wing and other immediate challenges - could benefit from "consistent leadership" of an internal candidate.  "Knowledge and experience of these ongoing challenges also favor the consideration of internal candidates," says the Administration.

The Board will evaluate all candidates based on criteria gathered from the online survey ("read more") and interviews with staff and community members.  If they can't decide on an internal candidate, they'll look outside.
 
Do you think an internal candidate is appropriate considering what we're facing for the next few years?  Is an interim Superintendent  an option?   A couple of names that come to mind are Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services, Dr.Traci Pierce, and Redmond High Principal Jane Todd.  Do you have any recommendations or favorites?   I think Deputy Superintendent Janine Fogard is most effective staying where she is, as Chief Operating Officer.  She knows the district "plumbing" better than anyone.  Ms. Fogard, as Director of Finance, has an excellent business services finance team led by Barbara Posthumus.  Read More>>

City Council considers defering "impact fees" to time of closing

Off -site capital inmprovements are paid by builders as "impact fees"

Local lending institutions are tightening up on builder's and it's hurting our local economic recovery according to city council consensus in their last public meeting.   It's especially difficult for builders to get loans covering their "soft costs" like impact fees.  Impact fees pay for sidewalks and other off-site capital improvements.   Master Builder spokesman, David Hoffman told council that impact fees average $15,000 for new single family homes, causing a serious cash flow problem for builders.  Read More >>

LW School District operates without written job descriptions - Administration delays implementation

LWSD ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN PLANNING TO WRITE "JOB DESCRIPTIONS" SINCE 2009:

OPINION:  Lake Washington School District Administration and staff currently operates and manages without written job descriptions. As early as November 18, 2009, Communications Director Reith wrote, "Formal standardized job descriptions are currently being revised."

On August 17, 2011, Communications Directer, Kathryn Reith writes:

"While the district is working on formalizing job descriptions for district positions, we have not yet completed that task for the positions listed on the organizational chart."

The benefits of job descriptions, beyond "tasks and duties" include: recruiting plans, performance development, quality and safety programs, compliance with laws and regulations, balancing work assignments, position postings and advertisements and revised planning within your performance management system. The question has arisen: how do administrators do their job when they don't know what's expected of them?

In an August, 2011 Board meeting, Kimball reported a 9% employee turnover rate. The Administration has never conducted formal exit interviews; In the August, 2011 meeting, the Board agreed exit interviews should take place. As of 11/18/2011, no action has been reported by the Administration.

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Photo:  By cartoonstock.com
Source: "How to write an effective job description and role profile." By Michelle Fischer 

2010 Key Facts on Exam Results and Education Spending for LWSD

Key Facts about Lake Washington Public Schools
March 2011

Research released in March, 2011 by Washington Policy Center, a non-partisan public policy think tank based in Seattle, provides key facts for the Lake Washington School District.  Education budgets in Washington State are at historic highs, reaching $10,200 per student statewide.

Average teacher pay in this area (LWSD) is $58,981. Yet, only 59 cents of every education dollar reaches the classroom and public school students continue to lag in academic achievement.

Detailed research and ideas for reform are available in our study, “Eight Practical Ways to Reverse the Decline of Public Schools.”   The following ared 2010 "Key Facts" for Lake Washington School District:


 Schools and Students
• Number of students: 23,142
• Number of schools: 50.

Education Spending
• Total education 2009-10: $322.6 million
• Total per-student spending: $13,778
• Operations budget 2009-2010: $212.1 million
• Per-student spending, operations only: $9179

• Average teacher pay for ten-month work year: $58,981
• Average teacher pay with all benefits: $76,675
• Average administrator pay with all benefits: $143,603
• Superintendent’s pay without benefits: $211,098
• Number of employees paid over $100,000 a year: 73
• Education funds paid as dues to teachers’ union in May 2007-8: $1.7 million

 Exam Results - 10 Measures of Student Progress and High School Proficiency
• 16% of fourth graders failed in reading
• 17% of fourth graders failed in math
• 19% of fourth graders failed in writing
• 17% of eighth graders failed in reading
• 38% of eighth graders failed in math
• 9% of tenth graders failed in reading
• 34% of tenth graders failed in math
• 7% of tenth graders failed in writing
• 28% of tenth graders failed in science

Lake Washington Schools Operating Spending per Pupil
2004 - 2005 $7419
2009 - 2010 $9180

Student Learning (Students in Washington state are entitled to 180 days of class time.)
• Number of full class days provided by Lake Washington Schools: 169
• High school on-time graduation rate: 92.6%

Summary of Key Facts about LWSD - http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/facts/key-facts-about-lake-washington-public-schools

Reported  By: Kendra, Intern, Washington Policy Center, 3/4/2011
intern@washingtonpolicy.org
Washington Policy Center (WPC)
http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/

Do you want comment on this? Feel free. Or, send a Letter with your name and I'll post it. B.Y. redmondblog@gmail.com  Republished in part.  Edited by for brevity B.Y.

LW School Board seeks public input on next Superintendent

Lake Washington School Board seeks public input on new superintendent.

The Lake Washington School District Board of Directors is embarking on its process to find a successor to Dr. Chip Kimball, who will be leaving after this school year.

As the first step, the board is asking parents and community members to provide input into what they should look for in candidates for that position. School Board President Jackie Pendergrass says:

“Finding the right individual to lead our school district is among the most important tasks we do as a school board.  We have several very important initiatives underway as a district, such as the change in grade configuration of our schools. Given these challenges, we are trying to determine the kind of leader who will best help us complete that work.”  Read More >>

BREAKING: Lake Washington School District improves and updates pet policy. Posting new signs on all district schools.

Outdated  LWSD
Pet Policy Notice

BREAKING: 10/4/2011, 7:51 AM   The District improves and updates their pet policy!  New signs are on order and will be posted at all district schools.  Click this link to read the entire policy and administrative action!

http://www.lwsd.org/About/Policies-Regulations/Admin-Policies/school-community-relations/Pages/Dogs-on-District-Property.aspx .

###

BACKGROUND:  Last year I wrote the opinion below, asking the District to update and improve their pet policy and install new signs.
The recent "A Tree Gets Nailed" story prompted me to edit and republish the opinion today.  I copied  the LWPTSA Council and Administration.  Serendipity!   B.Y.  10/4

REPUBLISHED OPINION, 6/18/2010.  In 2010 my daughter and a friend were walking their small dog on-leash, near the sidewalk on Horace Mann property.  The principal at the time saw the kids and told them to remove the dog.  She cited school policy that leashed dogs aren't allowed on school property when children are present even if school is out.  The kids were surprised because they had their dog leashed with poop bags - just like the school sign warns.  Clearly, the district's Pet Policy signage mis-informs and confuses our youth.

When my daughter was going to Horace Mann in 1997-2004, the principal allowed leashed dogs inside the school. I asked Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard for a copy of the district Pet Policy.  Instead, she gave me an updated Mann policy.  She didn't quote the enforceable King County law or informal school policy.  Two years  later, after multiple requests, Fogard gave me the current, legal policy, as follows:     

#1- King County code numbers are stamped on the Pet Signs.  County code "legally and enforce ably prohibits dogs from being allowed to run unleashed on school grounds."

 #2- The District adds language: "dogs are also not allowed on school grounds during the hours when school children are present - leashed or unleashed."  This language isn't posted on the Pet signs; it's unenforceable by the city and county.  This is a problem.

Many signs are old &
damaged.
 

City of Redmond and Kirkland Code stamped on the signs has since been repealed.  It can be removed, leaving space for "dogs forbidden when students present".   New signs could be phased into modernized schools and replace damaged ones to save money. This is a solution.

Unfortunately, parents, children and the public don't understand what the school policy is from these signs.  Students can be reprimanded and not know why.  School modernizations and remodels will need new signage.  Now is an excellent  time to phase in fair, accurate and clear pet policy signs.     

To see the entire pet policy read on.  Read More >>

UPDATED: LWSD School Board announce date and location for "Surplus Sale" of obsolete school items.

The date of the sale is November 5.
Find the Sale announcement and map to the warehouse here:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2011/10/school-district-surplus-sale-is.html

####

On September 27th, the School Board approved Resolution 2111 declaring a long list of obsolete school items as surplus.  Superintendent Kimball is now authorized to "distribute, transfer, sell, and dispose" of these items.

District Director Kathryn Reith writes, "the district warehouse manager determines the sale date and time and the sales price for each item."    Ms. Reith wouldn't give the month or year for the sale.  In the past they've had Surplus Sales in February, March, and April.  UPDATE:  The Sale is November 5th. 

According to Communications Director Reith:

"Items at our surplus sales are sold as is.  Potential buyers are encouraged to come to the sale, when it is scheduled, to see the items for themselves.   "They [the sale items] are open to everyone [the public] on the same basis – staff do not get preference."

A list of some of the items for sale, transfer, disposal, distribution:
1 ea.   Piano (Kimball brand)
1 ea.   Pickup, 1991 GMC K2500
1 lot   Gymnastic Equipment and mats
1 lot   PE Equipent (bats, golf clubs, balls, racquests, badminton nets, etc.)
1 lot   Hand tools (hammers, wood planes, files, vices, lathe, cutters, drills, shop equipment, etc)
1 lot   Glazing/Glass Shop Equipment, fire extingisher, heat lamps
3 lots  Bookcases, chairs ,cabinets, carts, desks,
3 lots  Microwaves, kitchen mixers, kitchen stove (household), kitchen smallwares, ovens, refrigerators
33 ea  Digital Camera, Assorted;  26 ea  Camcorder, Assorted; 1 lot  PDA's, Assorted
1 lot   AV Equipment (VCR's O/H Projectors, Speakers, etc.) and Editing Equipment (editing decks, etc.)
110ea LCD Projectors, Mitsubish and Philips
443ea Netbooks, Assorted Models;  390 ea Computers, HP Model D510, DC530,DC5000
467ea Monitors, Compaq and HP 2700,S710,S720