SPANAWAY, WA — Photos of the new construction of the Central Kitchen Facility and Transportation building were shown during the communication portion at the beginning of the meeting. These new buildings int he Frederickson Industrial Park are scheduled to be operational at the beginning of the next school year, September 2014.

Next was a YouTube video prepared to show what the February 11, 2014 Levy is about. Here is the link to, “What does a levy do?”

The assistant superintendents were absent from the meeting as they were at the awards dinner for the Schools of Distinction. Evergreen Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Nelson Elementary and Liberty Middle School are being awarded the distinction.

The next Future Schools Tour is January 9, 2014. Contact the District office if you would like to get a glimpse of the great things happening at your neighborhood schools these days. The public is welcome to participate.

Diversity Director Nick Jones introduced six students who earned the Elizabeth Wesley Foundation Award; they are Ewurama Karikari, Alesha McMullen, Shanita Pruitt, Micaela Woodley, Corey Johnson, Tynetta Stumvoll.

Next was a unique Superintendent’s Superior Service Award. This was given to a  teacher at Clover Creek Elementary who was able to save the life of a student who was choking. Ryan Olsen recognized the situation and used the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge a piece of candy that was stuck in the second grade girl’s throat.

A resolution was passed by the board and a plaque given to Director Michael Audas for his service on the school board. Michael was appointed to finish the term left by Joy Cook’s resignation. Last week, Amy Pivetta Hoffman was elected to fill the seat. Director Audas did not run.

In other business the board voted to contribute $7500 to the group called NEWS that is defending the McCleary decision which directed the state legislature to fully fund public schools.

The board will spend the next few days visiting the Apple Company in the Bay Area and learning about their school technologies, hopefully seeing school with these technologies in action.

Director Audas noted the playoff football game this coming Saturday between Graham Kapowsin and Bothell. The board wished the GK team well.