Board debates ambiguity in survey item on evaluating staff by student success; members disagree on feasibility

A single survey item drew extended discussion during the Pasco School District Board of Directors’ study session: whether the board evaluates staff based on student success. Board members described the question as ambiguous and said they interpreted it differently, producing polarized responses on the self-assessment.

One member said the item implied the board should incorporate student data into evaluations and called that an “unreasonable ask,” noting no district in Washington state currently evaluates broad staff groups directly on student outcomes. Other members noted the district does require principals to set student-improvement goals for teachers and that the board’s policy directs the superintendent to oversee evaluation systems.

Board members emphasized a distinction between board-level oversight (policy and superintendent evaluation) and operational staff evaluations (principals evaluating teachers). One member summarized: “Every principal evaluates every teacher every year on a student improvement goal. We don't do that as a board.” Another observed the ambiguity likely led to the variation in survey responses and recommended clarifying the survey language and, if needed, addressing the issue through the district’s strategic plan and policy work.

No changes to evaluation policy or new actions were adopted in the study session; members suggested follow-up work to reconcile survey language and to ensure board goals and the strategic plan reflect evaluation expectations.