Lake Stevens School Board adopts new hate-speech policy, updates highly capable policy and approves contracts and resolutions

The Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors on June 12 approved several policy and administrative actions, including the adoption of a new Hate Speech and Bias Incident Policy (Policy 5585) and revisions to the Highly Capable Programs policy (Policy 6300). The board also granted final acceptance for multiple public works projects, awarded contracts to several architecture and engineering firms and adopted Resolutions Nos. 5-24 through 14-24 covering administrative authorizations.

The actions were taken as a series of motions during the meeting. Director Vildan Kirby moved to adopt Policy 5585 and the revisions to Policy 6300; Director Paul Lund seconded both motions, and the board approved each by roll call vote. Other formal approvals included final acceptance of public works projects (motion by Director Kirby, seconded by Director Lund) and awards of architectural and engineering contracts (moved by Director David Iseminger, seconded by Director Vildan Kirby). The consent agenda — which included warrants, payroll and personnel items — was approved earlier in the meeting.

Votes at a glance - June 12 agenda approved: motion by Director Paul Lund, seconded by Director David Iseminger; outcome: unanimous approval. (SEG 010) - May 22 meeting minutes approved: motion by Director David Iseminger, seconded by Director Vildan Kirby; outcome: approved, Director Nina Hanson abstained because she could not attend the May 22 meeting. (SEG 011) - Consent agenda (warrants and payroll including May payroll warrants totaling $12,034,585.36): moved by Director David Iseminger, seconded by Director Paul Lund; outcome: unanimous approval. (SEG 055–058) - Policy #6300 (Highly Capable Programs) revised: moved by Director Vildan Kirby, seconded by Director Paul Lund; outcome: approved by roll call. (SEG 059) - Policy #5585 (Hate Speech and Bias Incident Policy) adopted: moved by Director Vildan Kirby, seconded by Director Paul Lund; outcome: approved by roll call. (SEG 060) - Final acceptance of public works projects: moved by Director Vildan Kirby, seconded by Director Paul Lund; outcome: unanimous. (SEG 061–063) - Contracts awarded to FORA, Hargis Engineers, Jacobson Consulting Engineers, Coughlin Porter Lundeen, GeoTest, Harmsen, Heffron Transportation and Layton Tree Consultants: moved by Director David Iseminger, seconded by Director Vildan Kirby; outcome: unanimous. (SEG 064) - Resolutions Nos. 5-24 through 14-24 (authorizations for signing, investing funds, claims agent appointment, auditing officers, intergovernmental agreements, etc.): motions made and seconded as recorded; outcomes: approved by roll call votes. (SEG 066–075)

Clarifying details - May payroll warrants listed in the meeting packet totaled $12,034,585.36; warrant ranges and employee/personnel changes were included on the consent agenda but are not repeated in full here. (SEG 056) - Operations reported that public works punch-list items were complete and required paperwork had been received before final acceptance. (SEG 063)

Why it matters The new Hate Speech and Bias Incident Policy establishes a district-level framework to identify and respond to bias incidents; the revised Highly Capable policy updates district procedures to current practice. Final acceptance of construction work and awarding of professional contracts clears projects to move into their operational phases. The adopted administrative resolutions streamline signature and fiscal authorities for district operations.

Next steps The district will implement the adopted policies and proceed with the contracted projects. The board will return on Aug. 21, 2024, to consider and adopt budget items presented in preliminary form at this meeting.