Columbia Heights School District — Transcript
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Board and Superintendent Reports on Activities and Legislative Advocacy
Activities Department Update and Program Growth
Approval of School Calendars for 2025-2027
Advocacy for Compensatory Aid Funding
Votes (1)
Termination and Non-Renewal of Probationary Teacher Contracts (Resolution Number 1)
Dissent: None
Moved by Board Member Laura Palmer [00:41:07] · Seconded by Board Member Michelle Petway [00:41:09]
The board discussed Resolution Number 1, which formally terminates and non-renews contracts for probationary teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. Director Bennett explained that these non-renewals typically stem from performance issues, expiring licensure (e.g., Tier 1 or 2 licenses), or a lack of suitable fit. It was confirmed that affected teachers had been notified prior to the meeting, and the early action allows for timely reposting of positions.
Notable Quotes (2)
for about the last five years we've done in two rounds so the first round um with the teachers listed on here are for performance or if they have a lure um long-term Subs so if you're on a tier tier one it's only good for a year so we automatically have to non-renew you um tier two is good for two years so some staff their tier two is expiring and some staff it is um just not the right fit for them.
just want to confirm that the teachers um that are proposed to be non-renewed have been um spoken with at their buildings yes we had um principls or directors whoever was responsible they could have started last Friday Monday Tuesday so this isn't a surprise no no and a majority of them are lure related so they know it's that's the reason yeah.
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
Second reading of Schoolboard meeting minutes policy, part of the consent agenda.
Second reading of Remote Work policy, part of the consent agenda.
Proposed changes to open meeting law for more remote participation flexibility.
Student representative met with assistant superintendent to discuss this policy.
Resolution relating to the termination and non-renewal of probationary teacher contracts.
Legal basis for the termination and non-renewal of probationary teacher contracts.
School calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, presented for final approval.
Draft school calendar for the 2026-2027 academic year, presented for discussion.
Funding model subject to proposed changes, impacting the district financially.
Grant received for updates and new equipment in the weight room.
Grant opportunity being pursued for after-school programming.