Board formalizes position on Yelm boundary petition; action is procedural step to start review committee

The Tumwater School District Board voted Tuesday to adopt a resolution formalizing the district's previously communicated position in a boundary petition initiated by Yelm-area residents.

Assistant Superintendent (presenting) explained the action is largely procedural: the superintendent and a board representative previously met with Yelm School District representatives and the districts had "agreed to disagree" on the petition. The Educational Service District (ESD) and the deputy attorney general subsequently advised that each board must adopt a formal resolution stating its position before the boundary-review committee process can proceed.

"This is purely a procedural matter," the presenter said, explaining the petition process under the applicable WAC and that the boundary-review committee will not commence until both Tumwater and Yelm adopt formal resolutions. He emphasized the petition originated with a group of Yelm-area residents who met the signature thresholds required by regulation and submitted the request to the ESD; Tumwater staff said the district did not solicit the petitioners.

Board members asked a series of clarifying questions about the origin of the petition and whether Tumwater had actively sought to enroll Yelm residents; the presenter said the district would be willing to serve the petitioners but noted the process is driven by the ESD and the committee.

The board then adopted resolution 022526, the district's formal request/position on the boundary change. The presenter said Yelm would be asked to pass a similar resolution and that the boundary-review committee will not proceed until both boards have acted.

No new boundary decision was reached at the meeting; the resolution records the district's existing position so the statutory review process can move forward.