Board elects leaders, approves 2026–27 calendar and district appointments; multiple motions pass

The Washington County School District Board of Education met Jan. 6 and approved a slate of leadership, personnel and operational items, including election of board officers, adoption of the 2026–27 calendar, award of a crack-seal contract and appointment of a Title I executive director and a middle-school principal.

Why it matters: The votes set board leadership and operational direction for the coming school year, finalize a multiweek calendar that changes the A/B schedule, commit district funds for pavement maintenance, and fill senior administrative positions that affect Title I programs and middle-school leadership.

Board leadership and routine business - The board elected Dave Stirlund as president and Lorraine Cox as vice president for two-year terms; the individual roll-call votes recorded ayes from board members present and the motions carried. - The consent agenda (minutes from Dec. 9; financial report; personnel and LEA-specific license items; school-level team plan changes) was approved by voice vote after a motion from Member Simmons and a second from Member Cox.

Calendar and policy actions - The board approved the 2026–27 school calendar, shifting the school-year start and adjusting teacher prep and spring break days; the motion carried on a voice vote. The calendar sets A/B day consistency (A days Mondays/Wednesdays; B days Tuesdays/Thursdays) and schedules the school year to end Wednesday, May 26, 2027. - The board voted to table Policy 29-20 (Student Enrollment) to allow staff to add clarifications before returning it for further consideration. - Policy 9200 (guidelines for elementary high-ability services) was discussed and placed “under consideration” (no final vote recorded at the meeting).

Contracts and facilities - The board awarded a crack-seal pavement contract to Holbrook for approximately $240,000 after one bidder retracted a low bid due to errors. The motion to approve the award carried by voice vote.

Personnel actions - The board appointed Susan Hara as Title I executive director (to replace retiring Amy Mitchell) following superintendent recommendation and interviews; the motion passed by voice vote. - The board approved the transfer/appointment of Mandy Luce to principal of Pine View Middle School; motion carried by voice vote.

Other actions - The board approved the Lava Ridge Intermediate rebranding after a 30-day public comment period with no formal objections recorded. - The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion that carried.

Votes at a glance (key items) - President (two-year term): Dave Stirlund — Approved (unanimous roll call of members present). - Vice president (two-year term): Lorraine Cox — Approved (unanimous roll call of members present). - Consent agenda: Approved (motion Simmons; second Cox). - Policy 29-20 Student Enrollment: Motion to table — Approved (motion Seggmiller; second Cox). - 2026–27 school calendar: Approved (motion Simmons; second Gunn). - Lava Ridge Intermediate rebranding: Approved (motion Cox; second Wade). - Crack-seal bid award (Holbrook, approx. $240,000): Approved (motion Seggmiller; second Staley). - Title I executive director appointment (Susan Hara): Approved (motion Seggmiller; second Cox). - Principal appointment (Mandy Luce to Pine View Middle): Approved (motion Staley; second Simmons).

Board members recorded votes individually for leadership elections during roll call; other motions were decided by voice vote with recorded makers/seconders as noted above.

Ending: Several policy and administrative items will return to future meetings for final wording or implementation details; the board scheduled follow-up work by staff on the tabled enrollment policy and the high-ability services policy now “under consideration.”