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Across the Board - September 24 & October 1

Posted Date: 10/02/24 (12:00 PM)
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A graphic with a gradient green background, with the PSD logo that says "Across the Board September 24 & Oct. 1, 2024"
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The "Across The Board" newsletter is a recap of the Peninsula School District Board of Directors business meetings, including important updates and news from PSD. For a complete agenda or to watch a recording of the most recent board meeting, visit PSD Board Meeting Information.
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Capital Projects Update
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Patrick Gillespie, Director of Facilities and Capital Projects, provided an overview of several ongoing and completed capital projects within the district. Key highlights included:
  • Safety and Security Improvements: Completion of fencing projects at both Gig Harbor and Peninsula High Schools, funded through the Safety, Security, and Technology (SST) Levy.
  • Tennis Court Resurfacing: The resurfacing of Gig Harbor High School’s tennis courts, addressing significant cracks and restoring the courts for student use.
  • Inclusive Playground at Harbor Heights: The district removed two portables at Harbor Heights Elementary and is developing a new inclusive playground with rubber surfaces, more ground level toys, and stormwater drainage improvements.
  • Pool Leak Repairs: The district is addressing significant leaks at Peninsula High School's pool, including the replacement and lining of underground pipes.
  • Flood Repairs: Restoration of classrooms and facilities at Minter Creek Elementary and Goodman Middle School following flood-related damage. New flooring, walls, and stainless steel equipment have been installed where necessary.
  • Other Projects: Interior upgrades such as repainting the Peninsula High School gym and replacing lights with energy-efficient LEDs in multiple schools
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Four construction-related images displayed in a grid format. The top-left image shows a construction site with a trench dug into the ground, revealing pipes and other infrastructure work in progress. A construction vehicle is visible in the background. The top-right image shows a close-up of newly laid rubber tiles, part of an outdoor surface installation, possibly for a playground. The bottom-left image shows a construction site with a large orange excavator and debris from demolished structures, likely portable classrooms. The bottom-right image shows an open field with a cleared asphalt area and soccer goals in the distance, surrounded by trees.
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HIB Update Report
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Michael Farmer, Chief of Schools, provided an update on the district's ongoing review of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) policies and procedures during the Sept. 24 meeting. This update is a follow-up from a study session held in April 2024, where the district began an in-depth evaluation of its HIB-related policies. The district has set key objectives that include reviewing existing policies, comparing them to model policies, ensuring alignment with current laws, and auditing prevention measures. Additionally, the district plans to gather data, including incident reports, disciplinary records, and conduct surveys and interviews with students, staff, and parents. A comprehensive report is expected to be completed by December 2024 or January 2025, and it will include recommendations to improve policies, training, response mechanisms, and communication​


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2024 WSSDA General Assembly Report
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During the Sept. 24 board meeting, Board President Natalie Wimberley and Vice-President David Olson presented the 2024 Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) General Assembly report.

This year’s session was notable for its streamlined process, focusing on key policy changes without extensive debates. The assembly passed several resolutions, including a significant new position on the Clean Buildings Act, which advocates for state funding to help school districts meet required environmental upgrades. Other resolutions passed included updates on capital project financing and a focus on literacy as a foundational educational priority. The report highlighted a strong emphasis on securing state matching funds for capital projects and protecting SCAP (School Construction Assistance Program) funding.
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Want to watch the recording of the board meeting? Visit PSD’s YouTube Channel.

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The next board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Swift Water Elementary School.
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A photo collage of school board members from left to right - Chuck West Dist. 1, Jennifer Butler Dist. 2, Lori Glover District 3, Natalie Wimberley District 4, David Olson District 5.
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