Interim superintendent outlines listening sessions, bargaining update and student board picks

Interim Superintendent Dr. Kurt Carvell used his July 1 report to outline outreach and personnel updates as he settles into the role.

Carvell said district materials were updated the morning of the meeting after staff photographer Lisa added photos. He described a series of listening sessions with principals and assistant principals in which he asked four core questions: what is currently working well and should be continued, where the district could better serve students, what an incoming superintendent should know about the community, and where staff see themselves five years from now. "I'm asking them four questions," Carvell said, summarizing the approach to gather staff perspectives.

Carvell said he will conduct the same interviews with directors and meet with school board members; he also invited community members previously submitted to Angie to participate. He plans informal staff drop-in sessions at school sites in the fall and said he will take on hands-on duties such as serving food in the kitchen or serving as a student monitor to understand different roles.

On bargaining, Carvell said the district is "bargaining actively with MEA" for teachers and that talks with that group are paused until Aug. 17. He reported a tentative agreement with classified staff that awaits ratification by members.

Carvell described a new process for student board members: an interview team (Mrs. Hoyt, Mrs. Gilchrist, Mr. Daffin, Mr. Zabel and Carvell) interviewed four applicants and selected two students. "Eden Bernardi was selected," he said, and Carvell also named Paloma Padilla Solis as the second student member; both will join the board in the fall. In response to a board question about feedback given to non-selected applicants, Carvell said he contacted those students by phone after checking with parents, thanked them for participating and plans to keep in touch.

Carvell also said he has met other superintendents and the Educational Service District superintendent, Ishmael Franco, to learn about ESD services; he expects further contact for guidance. He and Dr. Everett met with YMCA staff to discuss before- and after-school program support and community facility use, including opportunities at the Watervliet Civic Center and the Urban Center.

Carvell noted several long-serving staff retirements — Roberto Santana (custodian), Steve Lawrence and Don McBain (both long-time high-school staff) and school site psychologist Darla Hosteller — and said Dr. Everett presented plaques at a staff meeting to honor them.

He closed with calendar reminders: a special board meeting July 8 at the middle school, a board retreat July 15 at Anthony's Hearthfire, the incoming superintendents conference July 27–28 in Tumwater, the next regular meeting July 29 at 5 p.m., an administrators retreat Aug. 17 in Anacortes, and the first day of school Aug. 31. A board member asked about an August meeting that was missing from the draft calendar; Carvell acknowledged the omission and said it will be added.

The board adjourned after routine business.