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Student robotics team and union leaders praise programs and warn of staffing strain ahead of bargaining
Summary
A Bothell High School student thanked the board for support of the robotics team while NSEA president Lauren Dandridge and teacher Talia Rich urged attention to chronic underfunding and urgent staffing shortages as the district approaches bargaining and a bond and levy campaign.
A Bothell High School student and leaders of the district’s employee association used the Northshore School District board’s public comment period to both thank the board for program support and press the district on staffing and funding ahead of contract bargaining and a February bond and levy.
Adrian Devedel, captain of Bothell High’s FIRST Robotics team, told the board the team reached the world championship in Houston in its first year and thanked the board for support that allowed students to compete and run outreach programs. "Your support allowed us to gain experience, from teams around the world and gain crucial skills in industry, technology, communication, and leadership," he said (SEG 285–307).
Lauren Dandridge, president of the North Shore Education Association (NSEA), thanked district staff and highlighted year‑ahead challenges: bargaining this spring, a critical bond and levy vote in February, and what she called "chronic underfunding from the state and federal governments coupled with the ongoing attacks on a public school system that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for all of our students and staff" (SEG 249–257; SEG 253–259). Dandridge emphasized collaboration as the district moves into a busy year.
Talia Rich, who identified herself as an NSD parent, teacher and NSEA certified vice president, said student‑facing staff are already stretched thin: "student facing staff are beyond the capacity we have to give," and asked the board to remain steadfast in providing supports for students and frontline employees as the year begins (SEG 334–346).
The board reminded speakers of meeting procedures and said public comments that are not on the published agenda cannot be discussed during the meeting, though staff or board members may follow up afterward (SEG 198–206). The board proceeded to action items and later approved several contracts and tentative bargaining agreements (see related coverage of action items).
