To: Michael Green
From: Vicky Barnes
Date: June 4, 2024
Subject: Human Resources and Safety Report
Human Resources Summary
Title IX: Title IX is a federal civil rights law that protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. As the Title IX Coordinator, I am responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations within our district. This report outlines the recent updates to Title IX regulations that will take effect on August 1, 2024, and the necessary steps we are taking to prepare for these changes.
The updated Title IX regulations will be implemented on August 1, 2024. One of the most significant changes in the 2024 Title IX regulations is the requirement for all employees to be trained on the district's obligation to address sex discrimination in its education programs or activities. This training is crucial to ensure that all staff members understand their roles and responsibilities under Title IX. Several district policies will be updated to align with the new Title IX regulations. These policy changes will be implemented in August to coincide with the new regulations.
To ensure our district is prepared for these changes, I have attended several webinars and training sessions on the updated Title IX regulations. These sessions provided valuable insights and guidance on implementing the new requirements effectively.
A comprehensive training plan is being developed to meet the new regulatory requirements. This plan will include:
The updated Title IX regulations present an opportunity for our district to strengthen its commitment to creating a safe and equitable educational environment for all students and staff. By providing comprehensive training for all employees and updating our policies, we will ensure compliance with the new requirements and continue to uphold the principles of Title IX.
Reduction in Force: In May, our district completed the reduction in force (RIF) process necessitated by the recent levy failure. This report outlines the steps taken, the challenges faced, and the outcomes of the RIF process, particularly focusing on the classified employees.
The levy failure required us to make difficult decisions to align our staffing levels with the reduced budget. This involved implementing a reduction in force to ensure the district’s financial stability.
For classified employees, the RIF process included a bumping procedure that allows employees with more seniority to replace less senior employees. This process is complex and emotionally challenging for all involved. It requires careful planning and execution to ensure fairness and transparency.
The bumping process is inherently emotional as it affects the livelihoods and well-being of our staff. Managing the bumping process required significant time and effort to ensure that all procedures were followed correctly and that employees were supported throughout the transition. Fortunately, we had several open positions within the district. Employees who were bumped had the opportunity to transition into these roles, reducing the overall impact of the RIF.
Educator Equity Data Collection Report: In June, I will submit our Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Educator Equity Data Collection report. This report is critical in ensuring that our teachers are teaching within their certified endorsements or have received board approval to teach outside their endorsement areas. This report helps maintain the integrity and quality of our educational programs.
The OSPI Educator Equity Data Collection report serves to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding teacher endorsements, verifies that teachers are qualified to teach the subjects and grade levels they are assigned, and provides transparency and accountability in our staffing practices.
Safety Summary
HearMeWA: As part of the overall district safety plan, the district is actively participating in Other tip lines had a cost attached, or calls had to be handled at the district level. HearMeWA has been established as a comprehensive program for receiving and responding to tips regarding potential risks. This initiative is designed to provide a secure and supportive platform for students facing stress, anxiety, violent threats, or sexual abuse.
Offering secure and free support, the program connects students with certified crisis counselors who are trained to handle these sensitive issues. HearMeWA was created by the Attorney General’s Office in partnership with the Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to preventing violence in schools. Our district has a tip responder account set up, so we will be notified of tips. This allows us to provide youth with services at the building level if applicable. Tip responder agencies also include 911, local law enforcement, regional crisis lines (988), and child protective services.
Currently, in a soft launch status, the program will have a full rollout at the end of August. To raise awareness and ensure accessibility, posters promoting HearMeWA are displayed at our schools and KWRL facilities.
Safety Plans: Effective safety plans are critical for ensuring the well-being of our students, staff, and visitors. They require continuous attention and regular updates to address emerging challenges and maintain preparedness.
Shelby Mathison, who has been serving as our safety secretary, will be transitioning to a new eight-hour position next school year. Shelby has been invaluable in her role, bringing her experience as the North Fork Safety person to our team. Her contributions have significantly enhanced our safety protocols and preparedness. With Shelby’s transition, I will be training a new safety secretary to ensure that our team continues to update and maintain our safety plans effectively. Our commitment to maintaining and improving our safety plans to ensure the safety of our school community is a top priority, and we will continue to focus on providing a safe and secure environment for everyone.