[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6306225,"mediaKeyId","2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea","parentId",2440339,"title","Tumwater board approves resolution backing WIAA rule changes on girls' sports; vote draws public opposition and legal concern","audioSeconds",563,"startMs",8372000,"endMs",8935000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea&start=8372&end=8935","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea/thumbnail_8372000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6306225/Washington/Tumwater-board-approves-resolution-backing-WIAA-rule-changes-on-girls-sports-vote-draws-public-opposition-and-legal-concern","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306225-108f6e43697102f2dcce3dad44a77dae/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419314&Signature=jwYCBUs~lEShdaHIC7mpsrRom9xss0MeocLUCloyFFaIhGmXKwnYrbWOWaDZIWnVv27hS9SQ1H3vxSCwSn67BOWC0ixydWKY-8A4aTXOkONFpeClyyYl5TYYAN-Dm8wlW7b3oVBQuiicxVRIWGxevtlenhMZl0XXQcgIl9oT3hz2ZBVQ8iCnWnARrh-Wh0QiyKSS8A4eDUWpswbmA5oTwtAq-wmxNvknNGC2a-ITBSlLD6kxg3maUCVyDn~WACeACPPU~hk97LTLFJjjE-arY0UApsXbpq1lNspUDBu5jXCS-cXV9VJCO~FLYKPTguldTUnUh9AxhzFOOzdT3Ifo9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tumwater School District, Washington","date","2025-02-28T05:02:26Z","article","The Tumwater School District Board of Directors on Feb. 27 approved a resolution directing district staff to support proposed Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) amendments 7 and 8 that would limit participation in girls’ athletics to students whose biological sex is female. The measure passed after public comment from students, parents, coaches and community advocates and drew objections from other board members about legal and moral implications.

Why it matters: Board action targets school athletic eligibility rules that directly affect transgender students and touches state civil‑rights protections and federal guidance. Parents, students and local advocates urged the board both to block and to approve the resolution; several speakers described harm to transgender youth if their ability to participate is restricted, while others spoke about concerns for safety and fairness in competition.

Public commenters opposing the resolution told the board the proposed rule changes would harm transgender students and run counter to Washington law. “If you cannot unequivocally say that you have done the research to support your assertion that trans girls are creating unsafe and unfair environments, please either vote this resolution down or delay it while you complete research on this matter,” Sarah Wall, a parent of three Tumwater students, said during public comment.

Several students and teachers also spoke in defense of transgender students. “We must cultivate a culture of respect, kindness and empathy to all students, including our amazing trans kids,” Wall added. Student Sydney, a Tumwater student representative, thanked school administrators for their support and described the school as “like a family,” saying the administration and staff had been supportive through recent controversies.

Speakers who supported restrictions on transgender participation argued from safety and fairness perspectives. Jeff Lawyer, who identified himself as a resident of unincorporated Thurston County and a grandfather, said concerns about potential physical mismatches in contact sports mattered to some families but added he weighed those risks against the well‑being of transgender youth: “I believe that the benefits of allowing transgender girls and women to participate in sports far outweigh the risks,” he said.

Board discussion highlighted legal uncertainty. One board member said the district must balance state law and federal actions and described the situation as “being caught between a rock and a hard place,” noting that federal actions can carry legal force and that board members took an oath to uphold federal and state constitutions. That same board member stated a preference to follow existing law and advised that changes to statewide or federal law must occur through appropriate legislative or judicial processes.

The resolution was moved, seconded and approved. During the vote some board members abstained; the meeting record indicates at least one board member identified as Jill abstained and another board member verbally recorded an abstention. The board did not record a detailed roll call vote in the public transcript excerpt.

Context and next steps: Commenters pointed to Washington law’s prohibition on discrimination based on gender identity and to recent WIAA rule‑making. Several speakers urged the board to delay action and pursue additional study; others urged decisive action to address parents’ concerns. Board members indicated the issue is legally complex and tied to state and federal law and suggested further coordination with legal counsel and guidance from OSPI or courts may be necessary before any district policy changes would be implemented beyond the board’s direction to staff.

The board moved on after the vote; the superintendent’s report and other agenda items followed.

Votes and formal actions from the meeting appear in the district’s published minutes and will be reflected in any administrative follow‑up. The board did not provide a full roll‑call tally in the portion of the transcript provided.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","TSD Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Tumwater School District Board of Directors on Feb. 27 approved a resolution directing staff to support WIAA amendments 7 and 8, which would limit participation in girls’ sports to students whose biological sex is female.","taxTitle","Tumwater School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",38513,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306211,"Intercity Transit outlines redesign plans; Black Hills High School service constrained by road network",538,5640000,6178000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea&start=5640&end=6178","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea/thumbnail_5640000.jpg","/articles/6306211/Washington/Intercity-Transit-outlines-redesign-plans-Black-Hills-High-School-service-constrained-by-road-network","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306211-05c0bb3eb3b75fa4f7be9cf5520d96a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419314&Signature=k9gKpuhYlsA0zYuxBlgcyC48KaNWS4Qjhfe8Ckl~soR6IQ1g5j6aO6BBkVYdVDR6qgt5IsOb6E8mkuLmbugNvUtmUnA9-1WgxieCWgpTE9isyMeBZ3HLmwNP3DWUY0npgiGBoTwGJuRBVdCBpTFjbsM2kZfN8jKpQzmsFDgKaGwJFtJKO1tVUo3V~XaBICX1S6Ue3v4T1P-SPI-bSctucUobaSNhy2S2g8pXcdljSrUaao-ox36GRFCTyB3kz~d6f7l1CS1woyaE53xXj0CMghzvV3qvWIyInAVA1offjYtD-IwJILGeXQY9iJSgyaJfO81nFRuS9Rv28f7sutglSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from Intercity Transit discussed plans to redesign local bus service, reiterated the agency’s zero‑fare policy and described constraints that limit direct service to Black Hills High School in Tumwater.

Why it matters: Changes to public transit routing can affect students’ ability to access schools and after‑school activities without private transportation. Intercity Transit said small route and schedule adjustments can yield meaningful improvements for students and families, but that major changes often depend on road network features and local development.

Nick Demaris, Intercity Transit marketing and communications director, and Rob Florentine, planning director, presented the agency’s service‑redesign goals and background. Demaris recapped Prop 1 — a previous voter‑approved package to expand service — and said pandemic disruptions altered earlier implementation plans; the agency retains the aim of “more places, more often.”

Florentine said planners are looking for relatively small routing and stop changes that can improve student access to schools and colleges, reduce transfers and shorten trips to after‑school activities. He said the Martin Way/Capitol Boulevard corridors and College Street are among corridors under consideration for frequency improvements.

On service to Black Hills High School, transit staff cited the local road network as the primary constraint: narrow neighborhood streets and limited safe turnaround locations prevent frequent bus service or easy terminus placement. Florentine said pending or future development — including a planned relocation of a Costco and other road improvements — could create the infrastructure needed to route buses more directly to that campus.

Board members asked how to expedite improved service to Black Hills. Intercity Transit said the city’s development process and road improvements are key levers; the agency can request transit‑supportive conditions in development review but cannot unilaterally build new streets. The transit presenters urged residents to participate in future public engagement and noted the agency will post design timelines and opportunities for feedback online.

No formal action was taken by the board at the meeting; Intercity Transit staff said the presentation is the start of a conversation and that more public engagement will follow as funding and planning solidify.","Transit officials described upcoming route redesigns, noted the system remains zero‑fare and said road network limitations — not lack of agency will — are the principal barrier to better service to Black Hills High School.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306216,"’Together’ community‑schools group outlines services and asks district to continue partnership",480,4780000,5260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea&start=4780&end=5260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea/thumbnail_4780000.jpg","/articles/6306216/Washington/Together-communityschools-group-outlines-services-and-asks-district-to-continue-partnership","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306216-e9b84a264e3bf48e6743293127454aec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419314&Signature=lB7E4YeGlGrNBk~8xUXOyLCcel4swiPyc6AQWE3sPTokt9WOluviNhCPrt5RSiCEQHGtDG~3gG37X3s7Xectuy-v5GmgwnZcGHlxu~xAwHe2YKPLnUvc6J9nj03LjyFDLGqrFavn5vZNXnY6vL~Jhnf3l3c4AlJLCXBH4F9861b~b~aS3qw4FVZYjzVXHq6njyU0lW1uL~vPN3hAixDmjtg22DUb5u9UaXPYiSga72jHBBqnO8o6QmsLFjnWKmH84gXCa6UAwQFMNkbWR8wIvMlK~9JE8fI2gZKao7PVAoaXLqoWvaBeTVVoDHtgi7mbPVDPJIJTRQXJ-3Y73aw9~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of Together, the community‑schools nonprofit that partners with Tumwater schools, presented program outcomes and asked the board to continue funding the partnership.

Why it matters: Together provides on‑site case management, basic‑needs support and housing assistance that district counselors said helps stabilize families and keep students enrolled and attending. The organization reported growth and measurable outcomes in attendance and graduation for students served.

Sierra Abrams, co‑executive director, and Stephanie Lopez, community schools program director, summarized 11 years of work in Tumwater schools and said Together’s budget had grown from about $100,000 to $800,000 annually. Abrams said the program’s funding is a mix of community fundraising (63 percent) and district contribution (37 percent) for the most recent year.

Together staff described services that include on‑site resource centers stocked with clothes, hygiene items and food; wraparound case management; crisis support; rental and basic‑needs assistance; bilingual outreach and summer and break‑time support. The presenters said the program case‑managed about 260 students and families during the most recent year, assisted 97 McKinney‑Vento (homeless‑identified) students and distributed more than $100,000 in client assistance funds; rental assistance reached about 60 families.

Tumwater counselors and principals described direct benefits. Tiffany (school counselor at Peter G. Schmidt) said a bilingual Together staff member helped connect a family with housing supports and improved home‑school coordination so the student’s behavior plan could be applied at home as well as at school.

Together leaders urged the board to preserve the partnership, arguing that housing and basic‑needs supports reduce churn and protect district enrollment, which in turn supports district funding. “Together keeps students in the district, which in turn impacts our enrollment, and as we know, enrollment impacts funding,” a district counselor said during public comment.

Board members asked questions about funding sources and how Together’s client assistance is matched and administered; presenters said funds come from community donations, foundation matches and county grants. Together representatives said they will continue to provide more detailed budget information and impact measures to the district.","The nonprofit Together presented an 11‑year program summary to the Tumwater School Board, citing case management, rental assistance and other supports that district staff and counselors said help keep students housed and improve attendance and graduation outcomes.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6306220,"Tumwater board receives budget update showing negative January cash, enrollment decline and public pushback on cuts",1401,6495000,7896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea&start=6495&end=7896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2440339-1f263e609c4f067d04a6a2a5da70aeea/thumbnail_6495000.jpg","/articles/6306220/Washington/Tumwater-board-receives-budget-update-showing-negative-January-cash-enrollment-decline-and-public-pushback-on-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306220-a94011dcdb005f54a59c053fb618910b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419314&Signature=eovJ8CweqxdeiIUaXtoMOfkamB5eBly54KjAs-vcXXVjBE9H-O06dBXNeBCkMVQyXH7RcQhf9vzS~6f3cRHEnZRgJFTaYxFYSefNgSFRG-2mez8Pqf3UUaq9z2nVf3xcJhPbZrGj-ymgw3hw3vtBRMtco1Jln9tKnE7QGL7qi6lvYhMoR2cqhxOf8G-DYfzijzr901pDUOsn0KAneh-WHPQNXjv7CYUID4gK7NClb1iHXejfD3syKENBT9~utZ54u8Ga8oY09YrA~5nXwTeIXCyh5OFE1pK3RacMEL8ERh7FDBuJ5f~e8STXEwbfwZyjysaXt5esIYmdOEJkP-LK9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tumwater School District presented a midwinter budget update on Feb. 27 showing the general fund in a negative cash position in January and an average‑year enrollment below budget. Staff and community commenters urged the board to consider the local effects of proposed cuts on classrooms, student safety and extracurricular programs.

Why it matters: The district’s operating budget supports day‑to‑day instruction and staff pay. Finance staff told the board the general fund was approximately $175,000 negative in January; the district planned a cash transfer from capital projects to remain cash‑positive in the near term. District leaders also reported the district’s average full‑time equivalent (FTE) enrollment was 64 students below budgeted projections.

Nikira (Kira) Acker, director of finance and financial services, reviewed the January financials. “We are about 175,000 negative in January,” she said in the meeting, and noted the district planned to complete a cash transfer from capital projects to address the shortfall.

Acker reviewed multiple fund balances and restrictions: the capital projects fund balance reported about $3.6 million, the debt service balance about $2.5 million, the ASB (Associated Student Body) fund near $1.94 million, and the transportation vehicle fund at approximately $1.3 million. She emphasized that vehicle fund dollars are restricted to bus purchases and related transportation expenditures.

Enrollment and payroll figures were also discussed. The district’s February enrollment report showed K‑12 enrollment down 40 students from the prior month and an average‑year FTE down by 64 from the adopted budget projection, Kira said. Salary and benefits remain the district’s largest cost, with recent monthly salary and benefit expenditures cited in meeting materials.

Public comment focused on the consequences of proposed staffing and program reductions. Teachers and students described classroom disruption and safety issues that they said would worsen under proposed restructuring: Heather Dover, a second‑grade teacher at Michael T. Simmons Elementary, described frequent disruptive and dangerous behaviors in K–2 classrooms and questioned the rationale for adding a high‑salary finance position during a budget crisis. “Why was a position that is paid at a salary of $208,000 a year hired? This salary is equivalent to nearly 3 and a half provisional teachers,” Dover said.

Students and families urged retention of targeted positions and programs. Jolie Ramsey, a parent, and former students spoke in support of keeping the director of percussion position, describing its role in logistics, mentorship and continuity for music programs across the district. Student speakers and FFA leadership urged clearer communication from the board and more transparent outreach around budget impacts on programs that support graduation and student well‑being.

Assistant Superintendent Ben Rerick outlined the budget timeline leading to adoption and emphasized public engagement: district staff plan multiple work sessions in March and April, and two public hearings (one in June and one in August) before the budget is adopted. Rerick explained the district already advanced several staffing reductions earlier in the year because of immediate cash pressures and that further work sessions will refine revenue and expenditure estimates as the state legislative session concludes.

Board members and staff said the district will continue to brief the public on budget development, with additional opportunities for community input and for impacted staff and families to plan and respond.","District finance staff reported a January general fund cash shortfall and an average‑FTE enrollment decline; public commenters urged the board to reconsider cuts that would affect student programs and staff, citing safety and classroom impacts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tumwater board approves resolution backing WIAA rule changes on girls' sports; vote draws public opposition and legal concern

Intercity Transit outlines redesign plans; Black Hills High School service constrained by road network

’Together’ community‑schools group outlines services and asks district to continue partnership

Tumwater board receives budget update showing negative January cash, enrollment decline and public pushback on cuts