NORTHWEST EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT 189
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
November 24, 2025; 6:30 PM
Northwest Educational Service District | 1601 R Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221
Call to Order / Pledge of Allegiance
The regular meeting of the Northwest Educational Service District Board of Directors was held in person on Monday, November 24, 2025. Board Chair Sue Phillips called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM at the Northwest Educational Service District in Anacortes, WA.
Members present:
Sue Phillips (Zoom)
Cory Duskin
Mark Venn
Kelly Bashaw (Zoom)
Jack Thompson
Merle Kirkley (Zoom)
Ann McMurray (Zoom)
Elizabeth Niemi
Staff present:
Dr. Ismael Vivanco
Lisa Matthews
David Forsythe
Tamara Shoup
Jodie DesBiens
Jennifer Longchamps
Les Valsquier
Dawn Cottnair
Cindy Garrison
Dr. Polly Myers
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the October 27, 2025, regular board meeting were presented for approval. Merle Kirkley moved, and Kelly Bashaw seconded, to approve the minutes of the October 27, 2025, regular board meeting. Motion carried.
Director Appointment and Oath of Office
During the October 27, 2025, Executive Session the Board discussed the qualifications of the two applicates to fill the vacant position of NWESD Director District #4. Mark Venn moved, and Jack Thompson seconded, to appoint Elizabeth Niemi as the NWESD Director District #4. A vote was taken by roll call.
- Sue Phillips: Aye
- Mark Venn: Aye
- Jack Thompson: Aye
- Merle Kirkley: Aye
- Ann McMurray: Aye
- Kelly Bashaw: Aye
- Cory Duskin: Aye
The motion to appoint Elizabeth Niemi as the NWESD Director of District #4 passed with 8 votes in favor.
Superintendent Vivanco administered the Oath of Office to new board member Elizabeth Niemi.
Comments From the Public
No public comment was provided.
Approval of Agenda
Ann McMurray moved, and Kelly Bashaw seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Approval of the General Fund Warrants
Approval of the General Fund warrants #209582 through #209637 in the amount of $196,784.62 and accounts payable electronic wire transfer payment #000000096 in the amount of $3,760.04 and accounts payable electronic wire transfer payment #000000097 in the amount of $192.60 and warrants #209657 through #209727 in the amount of $1,196,751.90 and accounts payable ACH payment #9000002727 through #9000002784 in the amount of $13,174.96 were presented for approval.
Approval of the General Fund Financial Reports
Approval of the General Fund Financial Report with the total ending net position equity in the amount of $22,138,222.85 was presented for approval.
Approval of Payroll
Approval of October payroll warrants #209639 through #209646 for salaries in the amount of $27,275.28, #209647 through #209656 to payroll vendors in the amount of $60,241.56, repayment of employee wage overpayment in the amount of ($343.53), repayment to accounts payable for health care authority costs in the amount of $378,311.00, reserve for compensated absence reimbursement in the amount of $19,517.35, an electronic transfer in the amount of $807,787.07 for payroll tax liability and DRS contributions, and an electronic transfer of employee direct deposits in the amount of $1,404,277.89 for a total of $2,697,066.62 were presented for approval.
Approval of NW Washington Workers’ Compensation Trust Financial Report
Approval of the NW Workers Compensation Trust Financial Report with the total ending net position in the amount of $563,302.03 was presented for approval.
Approval of NW Washington Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund Warrant
No NW Washington Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund warrants were presented.
Approval of Unemployment Pool Warrant
Approval of Unemployment Pool warrant #209638 in the amount of $6,204.50 was presented for approval.
Approval of Unemployment Pool Financial Report
Approval of the Unemployment Pool Financial Report with the total ending net position equity in the amount of $11,745,890.55 was presented for approval.
Approval of Out-of-State Travel
Approval of Out-of-State Travel in the amount of $3,499.00 was presented.
Approval of Personnel Report
Personnel Report indicating terminations, hiring, and reclassification of NWESD employees was presented for approval.
Approval of Election of Certificated Staff
Election of Certificated Staff indicating hiring and termination of certificated employees was presented for approval.
It was moved by Merle Kirkley and seconded by Mark Venn to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Board Report
Dr. Polly Myers, Online Learning Coordinator, and Cindy Garrison, Clock Hour & Registration Coordinator, presented a report to the board about the online learning program and clock hours.
New and Pending Business
Approval of New Policy 3425, Accommodating Students with Adrenal Insufficiency
Policy 3425 – Accommodating Students with Adrenal Insufficiency was presented for a second reading.
Merle Kirkley moved, and Kelly Bashaw seconded, to approve Policy 3425 – Accommodating Students with Adrenal Insufficiency. Motion carried.
Revision to Policy 1400, Meeting Conduct, Order of Business, and Quorum
Revisions to Policy 1400 – Meeting Conduct, Order of Business, and Quorum were presented to the board. Board Chair Phillips shared that the revisions requested would move the regular board meetings to Tuesdays.
Ann McMurray moved, and Kelly Bashaw seconded, to approve revisions to Policy 1400 – Meeting Conduct, Order of Business, and Quorum.
Items for Information
Independent Contractor Agreements
Independent Contractor Agreements were presented to the board for review.
Regional Enrollment Trends
Dr. Vivanco shared the fall enrollment trend report with the board and noted that there is a slight gradual decline as there are less Kindergarteners entering school.
Preliminary November 4, 2025, Election Results
Dr. Vivanco share the preliminary election results from the November 4, 2025, election and noted that these are not certified yet. He added that many of the bonds are not passing, however the levies for capital projects are passing. Whatcom county schools are doing well and Orcas Island School District levies are passing.
Business Strategy Framework Update
Dr. Vivanco shared that the Business Strategy Framework 1.0 is happening in January. AESA is doing the registration and support. Teams from 5 ESDs as well as from WSIPC will be attending.
Superintendent’s Report
Binding Conditions Update: Superintendent Vivanco shared that the Mount Baker School District is making progress even with a decline in their enrollment. Marysville continues to make improvements. They have made significant changes at their central office. They will likely exit Enhanced Financial Oversight and return to Binding Condition status. Lisa Matthews shared that the NWESD is supporting them less but still reviewing their submitted reports. They have an experienced financial person on staff now that is helping with their progress. Matthews shared details of how the NWESD is supporting all districts and using key indicators to watch our regional districts financial status.
All Staff Advance: Dr. Vivanco provided feedback from the All Staff Advance and shared some highlights from the advance. In general, there was positive feedback from the keynote speakers. Staff appreciated that we were able to gather all together.
December 16, 2025, Board Meeting and Staff Open House: Superintendent reminded the board that the next meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. on December 16, 2025, and will be immediately followed by a staff appreciation open house.
Regional Teacher of the Year: Superintendent Vivanco shared that he recently presented the NWESD Regional Teacher of the Year award to Ruwani Brohier, a teacher from Bellingham Public Schools.
WSSDA Conference: Dr. Vivanco shared that he and board member Mark Venn attended the WSSDA Annual Conference in Seattle. Venn added that it was well attended and included great sessions. There was a noticeable increase in student participation with many school boards adding student representatives.
Items Originating with the Board
AESD Report
Merle Kirkley reported that the AESD Executive Committee was joined by Melissa Gombosky and Jeff Gombosky to discuss the financial challenges moving forward. The AESD has been working on the AESD Conference coming up in April on Bainbridge Island. Superintendent Vivanco provided an update to the committee on the Accreditation program.
Legislative Report
Kelly Bashaw shared degrees or professions that are considered professional and how it affects financial aid.
Superintendent Vivanco shared that State Superintendent Reykdal is going to propose legislation that will state the minimum and maximum fund balance allowed for school districts.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM.
Minutes approved on December 16, 2025, in regular session of the NWESD Board of Directors.