Things That Make You Go, Hmmm

As I previously reported, on the agenda at the Seattle School Board meeting this Wednesday, the 12th are the required financial disclosure forms from the Board and senior leadership. 

One item that needs to be reconciled is whether Director Michelle Sarju was still working for King County. The KC directory reflects to this day that she is and yet she put down nothing. This has some bearing to SPS because of the Best Starts for Kids program that where she did some oversight.

 

Another item I did point out was that Director Brandon Hersey noted - without saying the name - of his close relationship with a lead at Upper Left Strategies, a consulting firm. Several years back I asked for the contract for this group and only got one. But seeing this notation from Hersey makes me wonder if the district is now paying for MORE work with Upper Left. Otherwise, why would Hersey have put that in there? It'll take months to get but I'm going to ask for contracts from the last couple of years. 

Speaking of Director Hersey, I also noted that he left his job working for the Local 17 union. I was recently directed to a YouTube series of videos that Hersey has apparently made. I checked his LinkedIn page and sure enough, it states:

Founder, BKHBRICKS | LEGO Building Educator | YouTube Content Creator

On YouTube, I break down advanced LEGO techniques, provide insights into LEGO design principles, and explore creative ways to build. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, my content helps make LEGO building more intuitive and exciting.

Congrats to Director Hersey on his new venture. 

 

But a very big surprise is that the Board has negotiated another year - until June 2027 - on Superintendent Brent Jones' contract. 

As you may recall, in October of last year, the Board renewed his contract two more years AND gave him a raise. 

Know what isn't on the agenda yet? The documentation for this move. Is he getting another raise? Was he threatening to leave? 

I am aware that there may be split beliefs on the Board over his performance. I would say that this move seems a vote of confidence plus possibly the belief that while he may not be performing way above standard, to let him go and have to do a superintendent search would be a disastrous move on the part of the Board. 

I would expect that the Board would vote in unison on this BAR. 

Also now appearing on the Board calendar, a "Board Engagement: Budget" meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 26th from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Bailey Gatzert Elementary School Cafeteria. There is a virtual option to call in and listen but that option does NOT include interaction with Board directors. 

The agenda is sparse and says that first, the 2025-2026 Budget will be presented. That will take a half-hour. Then from 6:00 pm until the end of the meeting, there will be "community discussion with directors." No idea which directors will be in attendance.

I would guess the Board is desperate for insights about what will fly with parents for cuts to schools should it come to that (meaning, the Legislature doesn't pony up more dollars or lift the levy cap). 

I would assume there will be other such meetings throughout the district. 

Remote access:
Microsoft Teams, Call-in: 206.800.4125, Conference ID: 375 815 47#
(Remote access available to observe the meeting. Remote attendees will not be able to participate in the community discussion with directors.)