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.
San Juan Island School Board regular meeting of Feb. 26
The staff from Griffin Bay School showcased the school, which has 56 students, 15 of whom are from off-island and being taught remotely. The teachers reviewed eight pathways for meeting state graduation requirements.
Superintendent Fled Woods and other superintendents went to Olympia and met with legislators. They presented the funding challenges that districts face as the state has not fully funded education across the state. Regionalization has a negative impact on the district, which is lumped with mainland districts that have lower costs of living and housing. He reported that the bids for new siding are expected in March and completion is hoped for August.
Vera Schoultz reported for the student body that the second semester has begun. All winter sports are done, and spring sports begin next week. Care Week replaced Valentine’s Day with a week of affirming messages.
The district received several donations: The Garden Club gave $1,472.65 to Friday Harbor Elementary School. The San Juan Island Grange gave $1,000 to Friday Harbor Elementary School for a community project. The Public Schools Foundation gave the San Juan Island School District $12,211 for materials and supplies. Jose Domenech reported that enrollment in the district is stable, and finances have run according to plan through January.
The board discussed revising their policy on a minimum fund balance and adopting a 7% fund balance of portions that are spendable but not legally restricted as to use. A prudent minimum balance in the general fund aims to ensure operational cash flow, to set aside resources for known obligations and to help protect against unforeseen circumstances. Board members offered varying views about the proposed 7% minimum. One board member wanted a slightly higher amount, but all agreed that funding the minimum balance should not take funds away from programs as the year progresses. The final decision will be made in March.
Several Washington State School Directors’ Association-recommended revisions to board policies were given a first reading.
San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 regular meeting of Feb. 26
Peace Island Medical Center report for July to December 2024: PIMC clinic visits, ED visits, outpatient and testing/imaging use, and cancer care increased across the board. The clinical excellence initiatives are on target. Eighty-eight percent of patients are from San Juan Island, with 5% from other islands and 7% from out of the county. PIMC is finalizing a contract with Vituity to manage the Emergency Department physician group. There will be no billing changes. The UW School of Medicine’s resident program will continue. The commissioners approved a $612,711 payment for the semi-annual PIMC subsidy.
Public Hospital District Superintendent Butler gave the 2024 Annual Report. Village at Home was launched in March to provide home services and ended the year with 12 employees and billing $5,000-$8,000 monthly. The Village at the Harbor made significant improvements for residents’ safety and comfort. It is currently fully occupied, including its five Medicaid units. In 2024, they responded to 13,611 calls for assistance by residents and served 34,272 meals. Emergency medical services had a successful year with an expanded training program; an EMT class; upgraded medical, vehicle and communication equipment; and a feasibility study for an expanded EMS building.
Finances: The state auditors returned a clean audit, reviewing the opening and acquiring two business entities, passing levies and taking over financial tasks from the county. Commissioners Frazer and Lindstrum will attend the audit exit interview on March 6. EMS is in the best financial shape in 15 years, with revenue higher than expected and expenses less than expected. EMS is primarily a tax-supported entity, unlike Village at the Harbor and Village at Home, which derive much of their income from fees. Labor shortages are an ongoing problem for the Village at the Harbor.
Old/new business: Effective March 1, San Juan Island Fire and Rescue terminated its interagency agreement with EMS to provide supplemental EMT service with Fire personnel on EMS calls. The PHD superintendent and commissioners agreed to an April 17 strategic planning meeting. To accommodate holidays, meeting dates were changed to Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. The commissioners approved EMS Chief Butler’s request to increase the budget by $20,000 for EMS training in rescue operations.
During public participation, Dr. Fishout asked the PHD to give a presentation to the local medical community on its services and how they tie in to primary medical care.
Board member Heller provided a legislative update on school funding. Decisions are pending on most bills, but he expected little change versus the status quo. Slight increases in transportation and special education funding could pass.
