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Community speakers press Washington Unified on substitutes, VAPA staffing and safety at River City High
Summary
During public comment, teachers and parents urged Washington Unified to address substitute shortages and onboarding, called for a permanent VAPA teacher at Westmore Oaks, questioned the earlier August school start date, and multiple River City speakers praised new vice principals while also raising hate‑speech and safety concerns.
Several members of the Washington Unified community used public comment to press district leaders on staffing, student safety and the calendar.
Asia (Ayesha) Yunk, an intervention specialist at Westmore Oaks, said substitute shortages are worsening instruction and urged higher pay and recruitment for reliable substitutes. She also asked the district to fill a permanent visual and performing arts (VAPA) teacher at Westmore Oaks and to improve onboarding for new teachers and substitutes so they receive adequate support.
Parent and community speakers raised safety and climate issues at River City High School. Patrice Griffith, a BSU co‑advisor and Yellow Food Bank board member, said students reported more hate speech in the last month and urged the board to move from adoption to implementation of the No Hate campaign first shared in 2023. Multiple speakers including Justice Spencer (a student) and teacher/parent voices praised Vice Principal 'Doctor V' for improving safety and accountability at River City, describing the new leadership as a positive force for students and families.
John Gomez asked whether the adopted school calendar — which starts the coming year in early August (Aug. 6 referenced in the meeting) — was final; staff confirmed the calendar had been adopted after community options and surveys and advised follow‑up by email for additional questions.
Board members and staff acknowledged concerns raised during public comment. Trustees asked staff to follow up on substitute pay and recruitment, to examine VAPA staffing needs at Westmore Oaks, and to consider reissuing or updating the district's Safe Haven resolution to reassure families about student privacy and protections.
