Board approves graduation policy, contracts and capital purchases; several measures pass unanimously

The Highline School District Board of Directors approved multiple motions April 14, including revisions to its high school graduation policy, ratification of a Teamsters collective bargaining agreement, technology equipment purchases for two new high schools, a modular building change order for Valley View Early Learning Center, a multi‑year curriculum contract and several administrative renewals. All recorded roll calls on those items were unanimous (5–0).

Why it matters: The items approved will affect district staffing and labor costs (the Teamsters agreement), classroom and building readiness at Evergreen and Tyee high schools (technology and equipment purchases), the Valley View modular replacement schedule and budget, and curriculum and recordkeeping systems used districtwide.

Key approved items and outcomes - Revised high school graduation policy: Board approved the updated policy (recorded vote 5–0). The revision is intended to align graduation requirements with the district’s scheduling changes and provide students additional credit opportunities under the 4‑period/32‑credit framework. - Teamsters Local 763 collective bargaining agreement: The board ratified the negotiated agreement covering professional and technical employees (effective through 08/31/2026) (vote 5–0). - Technology purchases for Evergreen and Tyee high schools: The board approved technology equipment purchases in the amount of $3,625,290.17 (including Washington sales tax) to outfit the two new campuses (vote 5–0). - Valley View Early Learning Center change order: The board approved Change Order No. 1 to increase purchase order CP250038 for site work under the modular contract for the Valley View replacement project (vote 5–0). The contract amendment language and amounts were presented to the board as part of the action item. - Curriculum and assessment contracts: The board approved a 14‑month Elevate (Curriculum Associates LLC) contract at $288,819.86 to support district assessment and instructional materials (vote 5–0). - Student information system renewal amendment: The board approved an amended five‑year renewal for the district’s student information system (Synergy) for two environments in the amount of approximately $1,718,999 (vote 5–0). - Commerce grant and energy‑audit contract: The board accepted a Washington State Department of Commerce grant to fund multi‑site energy audits and authorized a contract with McKinstry in the amount presented ($411,662) to perform the audits required under the Clean Buildings Performance Standard compliance pathway (vote 5–0).

What the board heard: Staff described funding sources or budget allocations that will cover purchases and contracts, and legal counsel reviewed standard deed and contract language for capital projects when relevant. Board members asked clarifying questions about timing, scope and whether items were wholly funded by grants or existing capital budgets.

Next steps: District staff will finalize contracts, order equipment and implement the approved items according to project timelines and vendor schedules. For items that required additional implementation planning (training, installation, or permitting), staff said they will return with updates as work proceeds.

Ending: The unanimous votes mean the district will move ahead quickly on purchases and contracts needed for new school openings, curriculum implementation and compliance work.