Budget and staffing update

At the May 8 Mercer Island School Board meeting, directors reviewed staffing and budget projections. Certificated staffing is expected to decline from 284.62 to 269.84 FTE (full-time equivalent) from 2024-2025 to 2025-2026, continuing a multiyear downward trend. Notably, certificated librarian positions will be reduced from 3.27 to 1.00 FTE, while classified library aide positions will increase from 0.98 to 3.19 FTE, signaling a shift from teacher-librarians to non-teaching librarians. Superintendent Fred Rundle reported positive trends in kindergarten enrollment, but noted that classified health staffing will decrease from 5.44 to 4.33 FTE.

HR Director Aaron Miller stated that most reductions are due to retirements and enrollment changes.

Director Dan Glowitz raised concerns about seniority-based staff bumping, calling it “extraordinarily disruptive,” particularly for librarians. Erin Battersby, the Executive Director of Compliance, Legal Affairs, and HR, responded that disruptions are limited this year, with most affected staff reassigned to roles aligned with their credentials.

Public input

Seth Landau accused Board President Maggie Tai Tucker and Director Jody Lee of “perjury,” alleging they filed false police reports “to stop me from talking” and “paint me as a bad person in our community,” and urged the community to watch the meetings on YouTube. He claimed Tucker sought a court order to silence him during the bond campaign, then withdrew it after the bond failed. Landau also questioned Tucker’s motives for being on the board and criticized the board for “slowly driving down academic standards.”

Tucker later responded to Seth Landau’s accusations by questioning the “flawed concept” of a board’s policy “where board directors do not respond” to comments during public comment, saying there’s a need to “clarify the public record.” She remarked, “If someone wants to come in here every meeting and say, ‘Cristina kicks puppies,’ and she doesn’t respond… that kind of story lingers.”

Tucker defended her previous statements after being accused of not taking action against another member’s antisemitic social media post, saying, “I did say there was no social media policy — because there wasn’t one,” and called the interpretation of her “PhD regalia” comment a “distortion.” On her withdrawal of the court order against Landau, she clarified, “It was not to silence anyone,” but a response to behavior that made women feel unsafe: “If you run a security company and women are uncomfortable with your presence and aggression… you should take a really good look at yourself.”

Also during public comment, Samantha Rubenfield, parent and co-chair of Citizens for Mercer Island Public Schools, which backed the “yes” campaign for the failed bond, praised the board’s “transparency, compassion and responsiveness,” highlighting student successes as proof of their impact. She called Superintendent Rundle a “strategic partner and steady hand” and thanked the board for answering “9 million questions” during the bond campaign. She closed with a pledge to return: “We’ll be back for the levy next year.”

SethLandau-MaggieTaiTucker by andy.hobbs on Scribd

Superintendent report

Superintendent Fred Rundle previewed a study session on the failed bond, emphasizing “the need to determine what elements the community supported and which ones prevented approval.” He proposed conducting a third-party survey, a suggestion echoed by Director Dan Glowitz, who said, “Given the magnitude of investment… it would be worth the cost.”

The board also discussed various options for future local funding, with Director Maggie Tai Tucker relaying community feedback about “breaking the bond into smaller pieces.” Rundle further stressed the importance of being strategic in gathering input and preparing for the upcoming EPO levy renewal in February 2026, which funds district operations.

Recognition

The Mercer Island High School Drill Team was recognized for winning its first-ever state championship in all three competitive divisions: military, kick, and pom routine. Team captain Penelope Thomas said, “If you had told me my freshman year that I’d be winning state my senior year, I wouldn’t have believed you,” while freshman Emily highlighted the team’s dedication: “We practice three times a week, waking up at 5 a.m.… I’m super proud our three championships reflect what we did throughout the year.”

Superintendent Rundle honored District Communications Coordinator Ian Henry in recognition of School Communicators Day, celebrated by the National School Public Relations Association. He expressed appreciation for Henry’s dedication to keeping the community informed about the District’s initiatives and priorities.

Others

The Mercer Island School Board reviewed a proposed policy to limit immigration enforcement on school grounds, with strong support for protecting student safety and legal rights. Director Dan Glowitz emphasized the risk of losing federal funding but said, “If we’re to live our values, we need to stand up for certain things,” which might lead to “reopening contractual negotiations with MIEA (teachers union) or cuts.” Director Deborah Lurie supports “the rule of law” and protecting students’ rights.

The board voted 5–0 to remain out of compliance in governing style and 4–1 out of compliance on job descriptions. Student representative Ava Zhang described the board’s progress as “baby steps” and encouraged members to “focus on issues versus personalities.”