Budget shortfall and reduction

Superintendent Fred Rundle and district staff presented a report projecting a $3 million deficit and outlining strategies to reduce expenses and staffing.

While Dr. Rundle emphasized community values in small class sizes, robust arts programs, seven-period days, and four elementary schools, he acknowledged: “We just can’t have everything. There are competing and dynamic interests at play.”

Director Maggie Tai Tucker expressed concern about the impact of cutting nurses on students with medical needs, while Director Dan Glowitz questioned the reductions to student-facing staff instead of administrative positions.

Following the presentation, the board had the first reading of a Reduction in Force (RIF) resolution to eliminate 8.1 certificated full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, with a vote set for April 24 and notices issued by May 15. A similar reading for classified staff is also expected on April 24.

4-1 approval of Hi-Cap instructional plan

On March 27, Learning Services Coordinator Westin Lucas updated the Highly Capable (Hi-Cap) program, detailing the identification process and the differences between Code 32 (general education enrichment) and Code 33 (self-contained) services. He presented videos of grades K–2 and 4–5 enrichment and Hi-Cap classroom activities. Lucas noted that 21% of MISD students receive Hi-Cap services, tripling the state average, and shared data showing strong academic outcomes.

The board approved the 2024–2025 Hi-Cap plan. However, Director Dan Glowitz cast the sole dissenting vote: “The data does not show that highly capable students are being appropriately challenged. At the elementary level, they show less growth from kindergarten through 5th grade than their peers, suggesting our approach isn’t working.”

Director Deborah Lurie disagreed, calling it “a big misinformation … because the numbers don’t support that.” Director Jody Lee noted that she sees “capable learning happening” in both HiCap and general programs.

Facility and capital asset update

Tony Kuhn, the district’s director of maintenance, operations and transportation, provided updates on district facilities and capital assets, assuring that buildings are “extremely safe” with constant upgrade and collaboration with the police department. He highlighted upgrades in door locking systems, expanded surveillance cameras, and the daily presence of a school resource officer (SRO). In response to Director Deborah Lurie’s question about concerns over the middle school, Kuhn noted “it’s not ideal” to have three separated buildings unfenced, and his department is exploring a design to “create a closed courtyard” for enhanced safety.

Public input

There were 34 public comments at the board meeting.

Twelve community members expressed strong support for retaining librarians. High school student Lauren Evans called them “literacy advocates,” while Liam Chester referred to them as “outside heroes in education.” Parent Jaymee Lundin described librarian Daniel Kiley as “the heart and soul” of the library, and teacher Joan Wold emphasized their role in “fostering a love of reading.”

Eleven community members advocated for increasing education on Indian boarding schools and Native American history. Sarah Sense-Wilson, an Oglala Nation member and chair of the Urban Native Education Alliance, said “it brings voices and truth to a lengthy era of U.S. genocide,” urging leaders to “stand on the right side of history and commit to quality education for all.”

Six members advocated for nurses, highlighting their essential medical expertise and life-saving interventions for students. Stacey Ulacia, a parent of a type 1 diabetic student, said: “The school nurse is not a luxury. She’s a lifeline…who gives me peace of mind that my daughter is safe during the school day.”

Three members supported the proposed school bond in the April 22 special election. Ricca Poll stressed the need for improved “student safety.” Eve Hampton emphasized the importance of “accessible pathways” and “ADA compliance.” Student Sahaj Shah raised concerns about “classroom temperatures” and navigating between buildings “in rainy weather.”

Waqas Ajaib, a tech CFO and parent, shared that his family moved to Mercer Island for the schools. While he empathized with staffing cuts, he questioned why the cuts primarily affected student-facing roles, unlike in his field, where salespeople and developers are the last to be cut.

Seth Landau criticized the school board and its president for ignoring Director Jody Lee’s alleged antisemitic remarks, calling the board “dysfunctional” and warning that these issues could erode public trust ahead of the bond measure.

Other board actions

The board approved the facility naming policy and announced that board meeting recaps will be posted on the website and discussed in its content. Dr. Rundle recognized students’ achievements in the Honor Choir Selections, the Seattle Shakespeare Competition, the Lou Flannery Outstanding Journalist Award and the 2025 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Awards.