Submitted by the League of Women Voters Observer Corps.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.

SJI School Board regular meeting of July 30

Superintendent Fred Woods reported that the siding on the high school is in progress and should be completed on time. Middle school siding replacement work will be scheduled for next summer. The facilities department is completing smaller projects around the schools. They are building a new room at Griffin Bay School to accommodate an increase in students.

The San Juan Institute will be held on Aug. 21-22. All staff are encouraged to attend. The district and school websites are being updated. The district submitted its response to the Basic Education Survey to the State Board of Education.

The board approved an interlocal agreement with the SJI library for students to receive library cards.

Enrollment for the ‘24-‘25 school year was stable and on budget. Financial performance for ‘24-‘25 was on budget but will not be final until November when final transactions are complete.

After a public hearing, the board adopted the 2025-2026 budget. The four-year projected enrollment numbers indicate a slight reduction in students, but are only projections for years three and four.

Director TJ Heller provided a legislative update with important upcoming dates, including the Washington State School Districts Association conference on Nov. 20-22.

Friday Harbor Town Council regular meeting of Aug. 7

Mayor Jackson chaired the meeting with all council members in attendance.

No public comment was received on the Public Hearing on Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG Program) and the Ordinance was passed by the Council.

The work on the Wastewater Plant begins on Aug. 18.

Town administrator negotiated a renewal of a three-year lease on the Town’s Public Parking area on

Spring Street.

All staff received training by the Town attorney on Responding to Public Records requests and 1st Amendment Audits.

Michael Liptack, the new Public Works Director, begins working on Aug. 18.

Council agreed to add a discussion of the Development Agreement for the Malcom/ Argle Housing Project to the Aug. 21 Town Council Meeting agenda.

The Town Council agreed to reinstate the Project Manager position in the Public Works department.