Superintendent’s financial policies and board conduct compliance

The board found Superintendent Fred Rundle in compliance with financial policies, despite falling short of the 8-10% fund balance target. Director Dan Glowitz, the sole dissenting vote, questioned cuts “when enrollment is stabilized and revenue is exactly at expectation” and raised transparency concerns. Director Deborah Lurie responded, “We’ve been extraordinarily transparent,” and called Glowitz “a naysayer about every issue we have.” Staff cited inflation, funding formulas, and that “part-time people get full-time benefits” as key factors.

The board was found out of compliance with its code of conduct due to a member “not respecting decisions of authority,” per Director Maggie Tai Tucker, and failing “to give directions solely to the superintendent,” according to Lurie. Student rep Ava Zhang reminded members: “The community is watching and my students are watching. It’s important how you conduct yourself… but it matters how.” The conflict-of-interest policy was found compliant.

Budget update and student fee increase

The district projects $820,000 in general fund growth for 2025–26, reaching $4.6 million, crediting efforts to “keep the reductions away from the classrooms.” Other fund balances were reviewed, and student fees will increase to offset staff reductions. Staff assured that “scholarships and state waivers will ensure access for all.” The full budget will be presented May 29.

Resolution 738 Reduced Education Program adopted

The board approved up to 8.1 FTE (full-time equivalent) certificated staff reductions for 2025–26, with Director Glowitz voting no and Director Cristina Martinez abstaining. District staff clarified that while “reduction is here,” impacted staff “can be reassigned” rather than laid off. The cuts will affect library services, instructional coaching, student support and classroom teaching.

Library restructuring will shift 2.2 FTE from certificated to classified staffing, though no librarians will be laid off. Director Martinez raised concerns about intellectual freedom “at this moment in history,” asking, “How are we putting things in place so this doesn’t get into that conversation of completely closing libraries?” She called the library “the umbilical cord” of student inquiry.

Superintendent Rundle responded, “Our hopes and dreams for democracy and critical thinking don’t start and stop with just our librarians.” Student rep Ava Zhang highlighted early literacy as “the most important” and warned of declining reading habits, noting it’s “harder to pick up a book” and urging the board not to reduce support at the elementary level.

Draft resolution: Classified staff reduction

The draft resolution proposed eliminating 3.55 FTEs, including 1.5 paraprofessionals, 1.35 LPNs, and 0.7 RNs, highlighting a shift in the district’s nursing model. Superintendent Fred Rundle explained: “Just because we have six schools doesn’t mean six nurses is the best model,” emphasizing a move toward “staff health room support to match our students.” The new model may include a mix of RNs, LPNs and healthcare assistants.

Director Tucker urged the board to remember, “We live on an island that has outsourced our EMS services.” Director Martinez, however, said she was not concerned about outsourcing “because I do trust that the city made a plan.” Staff assured that student safety would guide all decisions, with final plans expected before the May meeting.

Transportation update: Budget gap and electrification plans

Student ridership increased to 34% in 2024-2025, but remains below the pre-pandemic 42%. The district faces a $734,769 shortfall, with staff noting, “It’s common for our district to have some kind of deficit” under the current reimbursement model. Efforts to boost funding include recruiting “high-quality drivers,” bringing mechanical work in-house, testing a student scanning system, and reducing reliance on “Uber kids.”

A two-phase electrification plan was also shared. With the current transformer “pretty much maxed out,” phase one would add a Level 3 charger at $400,000 to $500,000, and phase two would complete lot electrification. “We have a plan moving forward,” the director said, “but we haven’t pulled the trigger yet.” He added, “We are making our buses emotionally and physically safe spaces for students.”

Public input

Parent Allison Kawano, MIHS nurse Shelley Sage, and senior Madison Gaspers urged the district to retain full-time nurses for their vital role in student safety. “I don’t dare think how this situation would be different if I had picked up my child five minutes later,” said Kawano, recalling her child’s seizure during an after-school program. Sage called school health needs “a big iceberg — 90% underwater” and raised liability concerns, while Gaspers emphasized, “People come back here because they feel safe.”

Other board actions

• After further debate, the board dropped plans for a formal social media policy and will include informal guidelines in future orientation materials.

• The board approved a $500,000 contract to paint the district’s three oldest elementary schools. Director Lurie questioned investing in buildings “potentially slated for replacement,” while others said “now is the time” given favorable pricing.

Recognitions

• 2025 Pathfinder Award: Katie-Jay Scott Stauring, honored posthumously for her work with i-ACT.

• NYT Tiny Memoir Contest: IMS student Paloma “Lola” Melian Lafinur and teacher Whitney Swope recognized.

• 2025 IBS Awards: MIHS Radio and TV students and staff earned 12 awards, including the Golden Microphone for top U.S. high school radio station.