[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6099442,"mediaKeyId","2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17","parentId",2817485,"title","Votes at a glance: Kennewick School Board actions on March 14, 2025","audioSeconds",7046,"startMs",1442000,"endMs",8488000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17&start=1442&end=8488","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17/thumbnail_1442000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6099442/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-Kennewick-School-Board-actions-on-March-14-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099442-0f3d5852123c8283b0e51eede81175a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773737106&Signature=F~QQqhETiZY61IHId0dJOwIt6xmmEsj5qJBaQbO5HR3PxQe9CuwAkuIJCc2VeR8nkd4yTjYytrD5lo2iPqXP5MKH~kr0a265aFkud7VP0vOAJoE-Mp9HAA4oOL571AFRxFBWnuPgLpxcX-EkpsYSd5-62FSrUkiQH09o6E225wdoQW6ME0MNJVZ~Udga3pvSTaxQyC39jXyhKiYN4sesiV71xIk69bgZo0q4ijmMO8lIbgrOgmRewwMsDCaQV1eddBxID8JMwr0nE2Ubdvdghk9WTpis9wJ~uC7Z9Rm-FHSiGYbU1ASS8UxRlM5fDE-blwtcdp6LoNdFuZcfBUUUbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kennewick School District, WA","date","2025-03-27T17:16:09Z","article","The Kennewick School District Board recorded several formal actions at its March 14, 2025, business meeting. Key outcomes:

- Consent agenda: Approved by roll call (unanimous). Routine items were adopted as presented.

- K–5 English language-arts adoption: Approved. The board approved Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts for grades K–5 after a teacher-led selection process and a pilot. Outcome: approved (vote recorded as 5–0).

- K–12 physical education materials renewal: Approved. The board renewed the district’s license for the F.I.T. 5-for-Life (fitness) curriculum and purchased a seven-year digital subscription; outcome approved (5–0).

- Title IX complaint submission to federal authorities: Approved. The board authorized filing a formal complaint that asks the U.S. Department of Education to review whether OSPI and WIAA guidance conflicts with federal Title IX and to provide written clarification. Vote recorded with one abstention; motion passed.

Each of the outcomes above was recorded on the public roll call and will be reflected in the district minutes and follow-up staff actions. Several items approved at the meeting (curriculum and license renewals) include implementation steps and budget impacts that staff will track and report back to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting: March 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal board actions taken at the March 14 meeting, including approval of curriculum adoption, renewal of PE materials and the Title IX complaint filing.","taxTitle","Kennewick School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",14814,"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},6099446,"Tri-Tech project awarded, scoreboards delayed by permitting and engineering; Southridge hydronics in design",299,4411000,4710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17&start=4411&end=4710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17/thumbnail_4411000.jpg","/articles/6099446/Washington/Tri-Tech-project-awarded-scoreboards-delayed-by-permitting-and-engineering-Southridge-hydronics-in-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099446-6cb40b903792f0f95f36387d2650b782/orig.mp4?Expires=1773737106&Signature=m9umgMmNqvQOXtWwPjqSD0Qm5ZyZeBIZp5rkqewla4VxY5RR6bUwYXTW45LW9EB~B8vmno3t80jdwAeCof8B2JKvNWIH8hoe3COqptWQLpWdK~h3cMtGX0PgeUfDv70l5m73YJlQp5mykZr~RKUK-fR06frdsNyP8ecEHnxyVlpH8oxQ7dzLTNn1AsLoPHdHUsUFMOyP3oi2G3nulUJ9Yb46VOsgAw6IxojEcKh-TzCRP~LQrfqbEwtp-iC4vwPYigcZp9nHp0fEKnlh-TNEkqA0kSGQf7whOtHnQZElkse7ggMP-6OH8EFKPrX3CA5QHcx4Km34dPNUoCqIXZhT0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District facilities staff gave an update on capital projects including the Tri-Tech core renovation, athletic scoreboards and hydronics repairs at Southridge High.

Bids for the Tri-Tech core modernization were opened and the apparent low bidder was Sherman L construction company. Staff said bids were competitive and that, after accepting all 10 alternates, the award still came roughly $3 million under high estimates. The project is expected to begin mid-July with a projected completion in December 2026; abatement work is planned for spring break to reduce schedule risk.

Staff also briefed the board on scoreboard installations at several high school fields. Permitting and structural issues increased scope on some signs: structural engineers found older steel that must be replaced to meet current tensile-strength standards. Several scoreboard installations are behind schedule by three to four weeks, and one installation (Roy Johnson) had construction begin the week of the meeting. The district issued an RFP for corporate sponsorships tied to scoreboard naming opportunities; proposals were due April 2. Board members discussed how sponsorship revenue should be allocated and asked staff to report back on whether proceeds should be routed to athletics, ASB funds or a broader extracurricular account.

Southridge High School’s hydronic heating system remains in design. Engineers and the contractor continue to evaluate structural capacity in the wing above the kitchen and to develop a phased approach to allow in-place work while preserving building heating and cooling. Staff reported a target of approximately six weeks for construction once design is finalized and the contractor is prepared to begin.

Facilities staff said they are prioritizing long-term durability and code compliance, and they will return with updated timelines as permitting and design items are resolved.","The board received a capital-projects update: Sherman L was the low bidder for the Tri-Tech core retrofit; all 10 bid alternates were accepted. Scoreboard installations are delayed by permitting and structural steel work, and Southridge High hydronic system repairs remain in design with construction expected shortly after design completion.",{"_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},6099449,"Kennewick previews preliminary 2025–26 budget; bond refinancing cuts future debt payments and frees capacity",485,3953000,4438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17&start=3953&end=4438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17/thumbnail_3953000.jpg","/articles/6099449/Washington/Kennewick-previews-preliminary-202526-budget-bond-refinancing-cuts-future-debt-payments-and-frees-capacity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099449-254e9958a5a18acc0c091d9aadde1ed1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773737106&Signature=kS8tQmLKo5SQn74B9f0fwg5IZUziVc58MKtbW9L6bOoeXOUIzy18sYX7BmbusCsyJGdbaUokA~eOVRUARbU~1ucoTgV8J3bN--~hQ3u5na-R8c8DL4y6AFA02q9RA7jFpgqzSflSIiPreK5JEO7AQ8284sf3OZQf6zM6jYKoD5rz9mg-9NWUIPXbGyD9wDSU4g6yV7gtmy0n2knuiaHwOB5s239yaKpWkK8M8HTG8J0F53-doU~NQgq0w0PCrtZGY1fIW-g7MGFyMRvWlSSNksQO3FHLB2c~GqiiCCyWoQC5Kzltm3TSCn9k9pXmRRz03cJ8S2fLIhbw1Kr-CesKdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District finance staff delivered a preliminary presentation on the 2025–26 budget with detailed briefings on the transportation vehicle fund and the debt service schedule.

The board heard that the district completed a bond refunding for the 2015 issuance; staff reported a net savings of about $4.36 million over the life of the issue and said the refinancing lowered the interest rate from about 4.99% to roughly 3.26%. Staff said the district retained a strong credit rating, which helped achieve the savings.

On debt service, staff presented the amortization schedule and said that total annual debt payments are projected near $19.1 million for the 2024–25 year and drop to roughly $14 million in 2026 under the new schedule. Staff emphasized maintaining healthy fund balances so debt payments can be met in the months before property-tax receipts are received.

Transportation funding and school-bus replacement were a second focus. Staff reported the district fleet includes about 38 buses, including special-needs vehicles. Buses are depreciated on a 13-year schedule; the district receives state replacement funds tied to depreciation age. Delivery delays in the industry mean buses ordered in 2023 arrived in 2024 and buses ordered last year are expected in August 2025. Cost increases and evolving emissions/clean-vehicle rules led staff to recommend pausing major new orders for a month to evaluate the right fleet mix, technology options and costs.

Staff said the district tentatively budgeted $1.8 million in the transportation fund for bus replacement in the preliminary 2025–26 budget but noted that figure could change before final adoption in June. Board members asked for an age-distribution chart of the fleet and a clearer replacement schedule when staff return with a more detailed proposal.

Finance staff also presented data on assessed value, debt capacity and historical tax rates. The district reported legal bonding capacity remains in excess of current outstanding debt and noted that assessed value growth has reduced the district’s tax rate even as bond capacity remains available for future capital needs.","District finance staff presented a preliminary 2025–26 budget focusing on the transportation vehicle fund and debt service. A recent refinancing of the 2015 bond reduces long-term debt service and yields roughly $4.36 million in net savings.",{"_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},6099451,"Kennewick board approves Amplify Core Knowledge K–5 language-arts adoption after 18-month pilot",620,5498000,6118000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17&start=5498&end=6118","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17/thumbnail_5498000.jpg","/articles/6099451/Washington/Kennewick-board-approves-Amplify-Core-Knowledge-K5-language-arts-adoption-after-18-month-pilot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099451-c152ba8138085a24b5b03cc217c7a196/orig.mp4?Expires=1773737106&Signature=hAeD-W0EQau5BRKGpd28sG0y2hUd6KkRuWh-PlEVM9boBQLU7SP8sx6afAaOcpxraakDvz9epFwbklXpL~2S7Qwdqhozg3PmKI23oRolEl9NBR7AyOOpJWZkhVDXjiE1iZ3Oouo8TBgw1Ywz9sXWAuNlyvjoxhUS6b~v7V52j~qW21zuDT5TYZSqIYTNrI9MPnf4IPSiAU8aKOMSXSlFP90x9sUj55zPgnAdwVNWnHmTNp3aIerBvrhwnfzQMxSiTwZdycvr2PxNXycULhg1LdqY9u6byAIqyotRiEVygedcnnZBybiPfxoG4EpirzGR3HLd59crqVrBxvzWLTC~4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kennewick School District Board of Directors approved adoption of Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts for kindergarten through fifth grade after an 18-month review, a 75-teacher evaluation team, and a pilot year at district schools.

District staff presented the adoption recommendation and said the instructional materials committee (IMC) recommended the selection unanimously. The board approved the recommendation in a roll-call vote; district staff estimated the adoption cost at about $1.9 million with an eight-year digital subscription and a plan to review consumable replacements after five years.

District staff said the committee prioritized materials aligned to state standards and the science of reading, materials that build background knowledge, and curricular supports for teachers. Presenters said teachers in the pilot reported positive results in reading and vocabulary units. The district plans professional development and a phased implementation, with ongoing teacher feedback and district measures such as STAR and state assessments used to track outcomes.

Alyssa, a district staff member who led the presentation, summarized the process and evidence that led to the recommendation: the materials were piloted, posted for public comment, reviewed by the IMC, and negotiated to spread payments over time.

Board members praised the transparent process and expressed support for the adoption while noting careful stewardship of district resources. The board also noted the district secured more favorable payment terms than neighboring districts.

Superintendent Dr. Pierce and curriculum staff said implementation will include teacher training and regular feedback loops so the district can monitor student outcomes and adjust supports as needed.","After an 18-month review and a 75-teacher pilot, the board approved Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts for grades K–5; the contract is roughly $1.9 million with multi-year digital subscription and staged payments.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6099452,"Kennewick School Board files Title IX complaint against state agencies, seeks federal clarification",5896,1278000,7174000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17&start=1278&end=7174","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2817485-f0a5454142d81bd406bd5bf45d345f17/thumbnail_1278000.jpg","/articles/6099452/Washington/Kennewick-School-Board-files-Title-IX-complaint-against-state-agencies-seeks-federal-clarification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099452-3bb7e2aaabac2d1935a86c1ffd339881/orig.mp4?Expires=1773737106&Signature=BSeJNAx4uvCMpRPAZk9kJ2niXMFCKjQ7egmWD~gZhIz6IhSeC55eTtie53ISCxaalmZXaFwnoOLUiThajB4M4LF5kYNABOO5Eu~AB6H6r0I-9j7unBAC2KMf8uDLGgakafd0DqeXFNn1eqfspWFY5tpeCN-D7l5nbuKt76-VLrWGrS~bp1ycoDALiwoqTfs85G6A4H6GtPPmodpdGNcFB2p3TQvthgW4OM4izXHDInxW-bHAy2EUZ7tw33t1nuLbloiOHE7GScPi~9XWx4EDUkUkYUlYKQ~2DDWRCpiiGHb5E~Wfp01AHx0sOTAopzVErzjoarqk5YfuQg2oLXnh6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kennewick School District Board of Directors voted to file a formal Title IX complaint against the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), saying state guidance conflicts with federal Title IX requirements.

Board members voted to submit the complaint after a period of discussion and public comment. The motion passed in a roll call where one member recorded an abstention; the complaint asks federal authorities to review whether state guidance is inconsistent with Title IX and to provide enforcement direction to resolve the conflict.

The board cited public safety, fairness in athletics and classroom privacy as reasons for seeking federal review. In a brief public comment before the vote, Ben Anderson told the board: “I saw on the agenda that you guys are going to be addressing a Title IX issue … I encourage you to stay strong in this effort to protect the girls in our school system.”

Board members debated the legal and practical implications. Several directors described the situation as a conflict of laws that leaves districts unable to comply with both state and federal guidance simultaneously. Superintendent Dr. Pierce clarified to the meeting that \"this letter does not change any current policy that we have on the books here, in Kennewick,\" and that the district was not altering local practice by filing the complaint.

Supporters of the complaint said a federal review would produce actionable direction within a defined time frame and would reduce legal risk for districts that rely on both state and federal funding. Opponents on the board urged caution about engaging in politicized processes, arguing the pathway to durable change runs through the Legislature and state-level advocacy.

The complaint requests that the U.S. Department of Education review OSPI and WIAA policies and provide written clarification on how local districts should apply Title IX when state guidance differs. The board also asked for federal assurance that compliance with federal guidance would not automatically trigger the loss of federal education funds.

The board recorded the formal motion to file the complaint and completed a roll-call vote. The district said it will deliver the complaint to appropriate federal offices and seek a timely federal determination so the district can operate under clear legal direction.

The filing does not alter current district policies or immediately change school practices; it asks only that the federal government review whether state-level directives are consistent with Title IX and, if not, to provide corrective direction.","The Kennewick School District Board voted to file a formal Title IX complaint alleging conflicts between Washington state guidance and federal Title IX rules; the board said it wants federal direction to avoid putting district funding and student protections at risk.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Kennewick School Board actions on March 14, 2025

Tri-Tech project awarded, scoreboards delayed by permitting and engineering; Southridge hydronics in design

Kennewick previews preliminary 2025–26 budget; bond refinancing cuts future debt payments and frees capacity

Kennewick board approves Amplify Core Knowledge K–5 language-arts adoption after 18-month pilot

Kennewick School Board files Title IX complaint against state agencies, seeks federal clarification