UPDATED, 9/30 School Board meeting to review issues of government transparency

Lake Washington School District Board of Directors

Issues of transparency will be addressed which could improve the outcome of future bond measures.

The Board of Directors and Superintendent will be holding a Board meeting this Monday, September 19th that will address the "Administrative Organizational Plan."  Superintendent and CEO Dr. Traci Pierce will be highlighting her "enhanced Plan." The meeting will be held at 7:00PM, District Headquarters.

It's an important meeting.  Issues of government transparency will be addressed which could improve the outcome of future bond measures, transportation services, taxpayer budgeting and other issues. You are encouraged to attend and/or participate! To comment please sign-up before the meeting starts; preferably at 6:45.  

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

In part, the "Administrative Organizational Plan" is:   

"The administrative organization of the district shall be considered as an orderly means of achieving the district's primary objective, an effective program of instruction for pupils. 

"An organizational chart for the district shall be prepared by the superintendent and approved by the board to designate clearly relationships of all employees within the district organization.

The District's old Organizational Chart under review is here:

Editor's Note:  I'm confused. It was supposed to be here; I may have posted the new one by mistake, or the District removed it.

For your reference, the Bellevue School District's Organizational Chart is here:
http://www.bsd405.org/wp-content/pdf/administration/BSD-org-chart.pdf

I hope this helps and you can make the meeting!

Bob Yoder

Most Northwest residents believe the big one is coming, but many aren't ready

Renters are among the least prepared for a natural disaster

SEATTLE – A majority of Northwest residents believe a major earthquake will rattle the region during their lifetime, but many admit they haven’t taken simple steps to fully prepare for a natural disaster.

The latest PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll reveals that three-quarters (77 percent) of Washington and Oregon residents expect they’ll experience a big-time earthquake here, but despite that fear, only half (52 percent) say they’re at least somewhat prepared, and two out of five (39 percent) admit they aren’t prepared at all.

According to the poll, renters are among the least prepared for an emergency. About half of Northwest renters (55 percent) admit they haven’t taken steps to prepare for a natural disaster, compared to just one-third (30 percent) of homeowners who said the same. Owning an emergency kit is one step in prepping for disasters READ MORE >>

Historic Sammamish Slough Boat Races

Sammamish Slough Boat Races from 4Culture on Vimeo.

1928.....

In the days before the Sammamish Slough was "straight-ditched" for flood control.

Mayor, Council and Human Services Commission to Participate in Food Drive

Image grabbed from Internet

REDMOND, WA – Members of the Redmond City Council, the Redmond Human Services Commission, and Mayor John Marchione will participate in the “Day of Concern for the Hungry” by hosting a Food Drive on Saturday, September 17, 2016 and Sunday, September 18, 2016, at the Bella Bottega QFC store located at 8867 161st Avenue NE, Redmond, from10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. The food drive will be hosted at grocery stores throughout both Redmond and King County to help area food banks in fighting hunger.

This year, the Mayor, Councilmembers and Commissioners will be asking shoppers to donate “Super Foods” including whole grains, nut butters, and dried fruits in addition to the standard canned goods, such as vegetables, soups, and beans. These donations benefit the Hopelink Food Bank. Last year nearly 5,000 pounds of food were donated by Redmond’s generous community members.

Mayor John Marchione encourages all residents to take part in this drive. “A food drive brings the community together to show how much we care for those in need.”

As winter approaches and the resources of those with low incomes must stretch even further to cover increasing fuel, electricity and rental costs, an outpouring of community assistance is crucial to reduce hunger in our community. View the Mayor’s “Day of Concern” proclamation here. 

UPDATED,9/23 EvergreenHealth revamps website to be more customer friendly, updates Facebook page

Al DeYoung
President, Board of Commissioners

Editor's Note:  Feedback from the Community -- including myself -- contributed significantly  to re-focusing Evergrreen's attention on customer service and their website.     

NEW "Contact Us"!

"We are always happy to hear from our patients, community and customers. Whether it's a question or a request, or you have a comment you’d like passed on to one of our staff members or to leadership, we value your insights and we will follow up on it within 48 hours."

Contact Us: EMAIL  "If you prefer, we welcome a phone call to our administrative office at 425.899.2621."

New "Wait Time Clocks" for ER's and Urgent Care Clinics!

Updated Facebook page!

New: "My Costs"!  

"Our commitment is to be your partner in health and to provide our community access to high quality health care at a great value. To help you make the best decisions about your health care, we embrace transparency. The resources offered here will provide you with a deeper understanding about your healthcare costs. You can even reach out to us to discuss your individual questions and obtain a personalized estimate for your out-of-pocket cost."

Public Board Meeting Agendas Posted!

Study Session: 4:30pm - executive sessions begins; 5:30pm public meeting begins
Board Meeting: 5pm - executive session begins; 6:30pm public meeting begins, public comment

Location:  Room Tan 250
(Located in the EvergreenHealth Surgery & Physicians Pavilion, which is adjacent to EvergreenHealth Medical Center)

Minutes from each meeting are posted after they are approved at the next month's meeting.  

Jan. 05 - Study Session

Jan. 19 - Board Meeting

Feb. 02 - Study Session

Feb. 12 - Educational

Feb. 16 - Board Meeting

Mar. 01 - Study Session

Mar. 15 - Board Meeting

Apr. 05 - Study Session

Apr. 08 - Educational

Apr. 19 - Board Meeting

May 03 - Study Session

May 12-13 - Leadership Retreat

May 17 - Board Meeting 

June 07 - Study Session

June 10 - Educational

June 21 - Board Meeting

July 05 - Study Session

July 08 - Educational

July 19 - Board Meeting

Aug. 02 - Study Session 

Aug. 16 - Board Meeting [Agenda]

Sep. 06 - Study Session [Agenda]

Sep. 09 - Educational

Sep. 20 - Board Meeting

Oct. 04 - Study Session

Oct. 14 - Educational

Oct. 18 - Board Meeting

Nov. 01 - Study Session

Nov. 11 - Budget Hearing

Nov. 15 - Board Meeting

Dec. 06 - Study Session

Dec. 09 - Educational

Dec. 20 - Board Meeting

"And, we believe in transparency – sharing our results with you, so that you can make an informed choice about you and your family’s care. This transparency includes sharing our internal data and measurements.....

WEBSITE  

Prepared by Bob Yoder

NAMI Eastside Breakfast Gala, features Dennis Bounds

NAMI Eastside's 3rd Quarter Newsletter "Eastside Connect" is now available!! Click the button below to view. View Newsletter

Community invited to open houses on new schools, Juanita High School

 School Board of Directors

Two new elementary schools, one new middle school, JHS rebuild funded by LWSD bond measure

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District’s growing enrollment will soon be served by three new schools. A new elementary school in north Redmond,a new elementary school in Redmond Ridge and a new middle school in Redmond Ridge will open within the next few years. In addition, Juanita High School will be rebuilt and expanded to accommodate 500 more students. The district’s April 2016 bond measure is the source of funding for these projects.

Community members had an opportunity in May to see preliminary plans for all three new schools at open house meetings. Second meetings are scheduled now to share the updated plans, reflecting community input and information. Those meetings will take place:

Elementary School in Redmond Ridge East & Middle School in Redmond Ridge:

Monday, September 26, 6-8 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary School

Elementary School in North Redmond:

Thursday, September 22, 6-8 p.m. at Redmond City Hall, Council Chambers. Previously announced meeting is in conjunction with the city of Redmond.

Tuesday, September 27, 6-8 p.m. at Redmond High School

The first meeting on the Juanita High School project will share preliminary plans and seek community feedback on the project:

Juanita High School:

Wednesday, September 28, 6-8 p.m. at Juanita High School

The meetings will provide a general overview of each project, including the site layout, overall look of the building, basic materials, traffic patterns and building schedule. The district will seek feedback on the plans. Attendees can come at any time during the two-hour timeframe of the open house style meetings.

Attendance boundaries for the new schools will be determined during the 2017-18 school year. A public process will seek community input into the new boundaries. No information on which students will attend the school will be available until that time.

Construction on the new elementary schools is scheduled to start in April 2017. Planned openings are in September 2018. The new middle school will begin construction in May 2017 and open in September 2019. Construction on Juanita High School will begin in May 2018 and open in September 2021.

Community Encouraged to Support Businesses During Construction Redmond, WA – “We Dig Downtown,” Redmond’s new buy-local during construction campaign, kicks off in Downtown Redmond on Monday. The weekly themed events promote that Downtown Redmond is OPEN for business during construction. For eight Monday evenings beginning September 12 and ending October 31, varying Downtown locations will feature performers, artists, and games. The community is invited to join the activities and encouraged to patronize local businesses. Inspired by requests from Downtown businesses for the City’s assistance during the impacts of construction, the goal is to encourage and invite customers to buy local, enjoy a sense of community and support Downtown businesses.   Jill Smith, City of Redmond Economic Development Manager, hopes residents and commuters alike will take part in the campaign. “Please join the City and community and support Downtown Redmond businesses. Bike or walk throughout Downtown and you will enjoy great food and drink, shopping and entertainment.”

Auggie Kempf Announces Retirement from EvergreenHealth Board

Due to Kempf’s retirement, the Board now plans to add three new members for terms beginning in 2017, including two at-large positions, and a Position #3 slot, to fill Kempf’s post.

Auggie Kempf

Kirkland, Wash. – R. August "Auggie" Kempf has announced his plans to resign his position as EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners, Position #3 effective September 3, 2016. Kempf’s retirement from the board comes from a desire to spend more time with his family.

While Kempf anticipated vacating his position at the end of his term on December 31, 2017, he has opted to end his service early. Kempf’s vacancy means the Board plans to add three new members for terms beginning in 2017–two at-large positions, and a Position #3 slot, to fill Kempf’s post.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve alongside Auggie for 16 years,” said Al DeYoung, chairman, EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners. “His business and financial acumen have been great assets to our organization, and his deep commitment to the health and well-being of his community are truly admirable. We respect his decision to step down early and wish him our very best.”

Kempf served on the Board of Commissioners, representing Redmond and Sammamish, since first being appointed in 2000. He was officially elected to the Board in 2001, and was re-elected to two six-year terms (in 2005 and 2011). In his role as a commissioner, he also served for more than five years as a member of both the board Audit & Finance Committee and the Compensation and Retirement Plan Committee, respectively.

Prior to becoming a board member, Kempf served for 10 years as a participant in EvergreenHealth's Community Advisors program. He has also served on the EvergreenHealth Foundation Board of Trustees in various capacities since 1996.

Council member Angela Birney reports on Parks and Human Services

Angela Birney

UPDATED:  Council member Angela Birney chairs the "Parks and Human Services" Standing Committee and gave a report last night at City Hall about her meeting. 

Here's a brief summary of Ms. Birney's report:  

1.  Kent Hay the new city Homeless Outreach Specialist will hold office hours in the Redmond Library on Monday & Tuesday (10-NOON)

2.  The annual city Hope-link food drive at QFC, Bella Bottega will be held on September 17-18.  Food and/or cash may be donated.  Council members (and sometimes the Mayor) usually attend.  (Say hi at the door!)

3.  A teen center exhibit at City Hall starts September 10.  

4.  1,300 park programs were held this summer.  

5.  Summer Park activities:  470 attended day camps, 1,000 permits for park rentals, 43,000 beach-goers at Idlywood Park, 100 summer sports teams with 14,000 participants, 700 attendees at Senior Center summer concerts, 1.700 lunches served for the summer lunch program, 160 attended summer movies at the city hall campus, 300 attended the "Big Truck Day" to see fire and cop vehicles, 7,500 attended So Bazarr, ($12,000 sales/night.), City is looking for life-guards.

The Parks and Human Services committee meets the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30PM; Council Conference Room on the first floor.  The public is invited to attend and observe, but not participate.  

Parks and Human Services Committee tasks:  To review, analyze and recommend policies regarding parks facilities and recreational programs; coordination of education programs and facilities; programs and facilities for senior citizens, underprivileged and handicapped persons, minorities and low-income families; and, generally, areas involving the preservation, protection and advancement of human concerns. 

Angela Birney was elected to her first term on the Council in 2016. Prior to that she served as the chair of Redmond’s Parks and Trails Commission. Angela is a Washington native and grew up in Eastern Washington. She moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, Angela has a Master’s degree in Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. She lives on Education Hill with her husband and daughters. Her hobbies include walking, reading, and travel.

abirney@redmond.gov
425.556.2133

Reported by Bob Yoder

Community invited to open house on new elementary school in Redmond

A rendering of the North Redmond Elementary School 

New school in North Redmond funded by LWSD bond measure

Redmond, Wash. – As the city of Redmond’s population grows, so does the need for school space to accommodate students. A new elementary school in north Redmond will help relieve overcrowding in the city’s current elementary schools. The district’s April 2016 bond measure, which passed with a 66.28% approval rate, is the source of funding for this project.

Community members are invited to attend an open house meeting about the new school. The community meeting will take place Thursday, September 22, from 6-8 p.m., Redmond City Hall, Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85^th St., Redmond, Wash. This community meeting is being held in conjunction with the city of Redmond.

The meeting will provide a general overview of the project, including the site layout, overall look of the building, basic materials, traffic patterns and building schedule. The information incorporates feedback from the first community meeting on the project, held at Redmond High School in May. The district will seek feedback on the revised plans. Attendees can come at any time during the two-hour timeframe of the open house style meeting.

Attendance boundaries for this school will be determined in the year before it opens. A public process will seek community input into the new boundaries. No information on which students will attend the school will be available until that time.

Construction on the new elementary school is scheduled to start in April 2017. Planned opening for the school is in September 2018.

The Risks of Biking on City Roads and Sidewalks

"The Risks of Biking Right"

With school season upon us, middle and high school students are again encouraged by the school district and city to walk or ride their bicycles to school.  Ironically, as you ride down Redmond Way past the "Bicycle Capital of the World" sign there isn't a bike lane.  Students and adults!  Please watch this bike safety video!


The Risks of Riding Right from Yay Bikes! on Vimeo.

City Fish, Wildlife, and their Habitiat

Background

Like many Puget Sound communities, Redmond's growing urbanization has resulted in reduced fish and wildlife habitats and has threatened water quality in our lakes and streams. Wetlands and open stream channels have been removed as our city has grown. In addition, many areas of the City were developed before extensive stormwater restoration measures were required; this resulted in excess flow in downstream channels that in turn created channel erosion and flooding problems.

Since the late 1960s, a number of landmark federal and state environmental protection laws such as the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and the Shoreline Management Act have been enacted. These laws, all with the purpose of protecting our natural resources, created a complex and sometimes overlapping environmental regulatory structure. Examples of the impact of these laws is the 1999 designation of Puget Sound Chinook salmon and the bull trout, a close relative of the salmon, as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Several other fish species are currently being evaluated for possible consideration of listing under ESA.

 

Read More >>

Construction update: Redmond Way will be one-way through the Fall

Two-Way Street Conversion Project Peat soil removal from the Downtown Park is expected to last through September! Traffic on Redmond Way will continue to be shifted to one lane between 160th Ave NE and 170th Ave NE next week. This configuration will remain in place 24-hours per day, 7-days per week through the fall. Work activities during this phase will include sidewalk removals, signal work, and underground utility installations. Why one lane, 24-hours per day, even when crews are not present?  Pavement has been saw cut and will be demolished as early as next week in preparation for the underground utility work.  Much of this work is in the middle of Redmond Way, and extensive preparation has been done with the installation of temporary traffic signals to accommodate the necessary work area. These preparations must be done in advance of the work starting, and the configuration cannot be shifted back to two lanes due to the nature of the work, maintaining alignment with the temporary signals, and maintaining a safe work zone.  Visit www.Redmond.gov/TwoWayConversion for more information on this project