MISD Board Meeting Recap – October 23, 2025

(Left to right - back row) Elsa Zepeda Juarez, Adithya Raj, Jett Jones, Derek Hsi, Madison Sieckhaus, and Selina Zhao with the Board. 

Mercer Island, WA, October 24, 2025 – The Mercer Island School District School Board held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 23 at the District's Administration Building. 

View Board Meeting Agenda

The Board meeting started at 4pm in the District Administration Building. At the start of the meeting Superintendent Rundle indicated he would address the story published by Investigate West Thursday morning alleging sexual misconduct by recently retired teacher Curtis Johnston with a student in 2011 during the MIHS School Improvement Plan (SIP) agenda item.

There were five items on the Partial Governance Process Monitoring agenda the Board took up after Superintendent Rundle’s opening comments.

1. Board Policy 1800 OE-10: Instructional Program - IMS School Improvement Plan (SIP)

According to WAC 180-16-220, each school is required to have a School Improvement Plan (SIP). Additionally, Board Policy 1800, Operational Expectation 10, requires that the Superintendent " ... share with the Board, on an annual basis, data-driven plans for improvement at each school ... including reflection on the prior year’s SIP."

The principals and associate principals from Islander Middle School (IMS) attended the Board Meeting  to discuss the school’s 2025-2026 SIP. Additionally, the administration team shared reflections, commendations, and opportunities as they review the 2024-2025 year.

The SIP is driven by strategic actions based on contextual data and is designed to promote a positive impact on student learning. This document is intended to be dynamic and may evolve as the school assesses progress and adapts strategies. The 2025-2026 IMS SIP is aligned to the District's Values, Vision and Mission in Board Policy 0001; Student-Focused Fundamentals stated in Board Policy 1800 OE-01; and 2024-2029 District Improvement Plan. 

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

The Board asked questions of the IMS administrators presenting the SIP but not action was taken. Action will be required when the Board conducts its annual monitoring of Board Policy 1800, OE-10, Instructional Program.

2. Board Policy 1800 OE-10: Instructional Program – MIHS School Improvement Plan (SIP)

According to WAC 180-16-220, each school is required to have a School Improvement Plan (SIP). Additionally, Board Policy 1800, Operational Expectation 10, requires that the Superintendent " ... share with the Board, on an annual basis, data-driven plans for improvement at each school ... including reflection on the prior year’s SIP."

The principal and associate principals from MIHS will present and discuss the 2025-2026 SIP. Additionally, the administration team will share reflections, commendations, and opportunities as they review the 2024-2025 year.

The SIP is driven by strategic actions based on contextual data and is designed to promote a positive impact on student learning. This document is intended to be dynamic and may evolve as the school assesses progress and adapts strategies. The 2025-2026 SIP is aligned to the District's Values, Vision and Mission in Board Policy 0001; Student-Focused Fundamentals stated in Board Policy 1800 OE-01; and 2024-2029 District Improvement Plan. 

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

Superintendent Rundle spoke to the Board about a story published by Investigate West Thursday morning alleging sexual misconduct by recently retired teacher Curtis Johnston with a student in 2011. Superintendent Rundle spoke about the actions being taken by the District since the publication of the story. MIHS Administrators spoke to the Board about the story. The Board asked questions of the Superintendent and MIHS Administrators about the story and the district and administrators’ response to the story.  

The Board moved the presentation of the MIHS SIP to a future Board meeting.

3. Board Policy 1800 OE-9: Communication and Support to the Board - Superintendent’s Recommended Policy Revisions to Board Policy 2020: Course Design, Selection, and Adoption of Instructional Materials (1st rdg)

The Superintendent is recommending changes to Board Policy 2020: Course Design, Selection, and Adoption of Instructional Materials to comply with statutory changes addressing the promotion of inclusive learning standards and instructions materials in public schools and modifying requirements for public school instructional and supplemental instructional materials.

The Board may elect to place the revised policy on the consent agenda for approval as a second reading at the next regular meeting or may choose to approve the policy as presented.

The District will implement the revised procedure to accompany Board Policy 2020 following approval.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

The Board voted 5-0 and Student Representatives voted 2-0 to approve the policy as presented.

After three items on Partial Governance Process Agenda, the meeting transitioned to Recognitions and Public Input.

Recognitions

Isaiah Kopelovich – Superintendent Rundle recognized MIHS junior Isaiah Kopelovich at tonight’s board meeting for earning top honors in August in the Washington State Stock Market Game yearlong competition, outpacing 400 teams from 18 different schools across the state. Isaiah spoke to the Board about his process and strategy for winning the Stock Market Game and MIHS CTE Director Jen McLellan spoke about Isaiah’s accomplishments and the DECA program at MIHS.

MIHS National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists – At tonight’s Board meeting Superintendent Rundle recognized 13 MIHS seniors who were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Students that were able to attend the recognition spoke to the Board about what they are going to study in college. The 13 students are Amelia Bernson, Aiden Chen, Derek Hsi, Jett Jones, Steffi Kim, Gavrilo Odievich, Sydney Parcel, Adithya Raj, Julia Shang, Emma Shi, Madison Sieckhaus, Elsa Zepeda Juarez, and Selina Zhao. (Not all 13 students could attend the Board meeting)

Public Input

Three community members gave Public Input at this meeting. The community members were:

Robert O’Callahan

David Myerson

John Anderson

To find out how you can give Public Input at a future Board meeting visit our Public Input page.

After Public Input two items on the Partial Governance Process Monitoring agenda were taken up by the Board.

4. Board Policy 1800 OE-6: Budgeting/Financial Planning - Resolution 747: Authorization of Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy (2nd rdg)

The current Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O), which provides for additional programming and expanded services beyond basic education, expires in 2026. It is being proposed that a replacement EP&O Levy be submitted to the voters on the February 10, 2026, ballot in a special election. The replacement levy, like the current levy, will be a 4-year levy on Mercer Island property owners to provide funds to properly meet the educational needs of students attending District schools.

The Board discussed renewal of the EP&O levy at its June 16, 2025, meeting and held a first reading of Resolution 747: Authorization of Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy on October 9, 2025. The renewal of this levy will allow the District to continue to pay for programs and activities not funded or fully funded by the state as part of basic education, including but not limited to a portion of the cost of special education; a seven-period day at the high school; music, art and PE in the elementary schools; and expanded electives at the high school and middle school.

Based on Board approval, the levy seeks authorization of a tax levy commencing in 2026 for collection in 2027 of $16,000,000, in 2027 for collection in 2028 of $17,000,000, in 2028 for collection in 2029 of $18,000,000, and in 2029 for collection in 2030 of $19,000,000. These figures represent the maximum amounts authorized for collection. On an annual basis, the District must communicate to the Assessor's office the actual levy amount based on enrollment. The actual amount collected may be lower than the proposed rates based on enrollment changes. 

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

Student Representatives voted 2-0 and the Board voted 5-0 to approve Resolution No. 747 authorizing placing the EP&O Levy on the ballot.

5. Board Policy 1800 OE-9: Communication and Support to the Board - Information on Pro/Con Committees for EP&O Levy Policy

With the approval of Resolution No. 747 - Authorization of Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy, the Board received a presentation offering information on pro and con committee appointments.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

No action was taken.

After Partial Governance Process Monitoring the meeting transitioned to the one item on the Full Governance Process Monitoring agenda.

1. Board Policy 1800 OE-4: Staff Compensation (L-1)

This is the annual monitoring of Board Policy 1800, Operational Expectations 5 (OE-5). The Administrative Report of Compliance will be reviewed and a determination of compliance will be made by the Board.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

The Board voted 5-0 and the Student Representatives voted 2-0 the Superintendent was in compliance.

The last four items on the agenda for the meeting were the Consent Agenda, Superintendent Report & Announcements, Legislative Report, and Board Announcements, Inquires & Reports.

Consent Agenda – The Consent Agenda was passed 5-0 by the Board and 2-0 by the Student Representatives.

Superintendent Report – Superintendent Rundle informed the Board and the community that he will be sending a message to the community after the Board meeting about the story published by Investigate West alleging sexual misconduct by recently retired teacher Curtis Johnston with a student in 2011. He also spoke to the Board about hard to fill staff positions in the District. He attended a training and update on school shootings this week with Assistant Superintendent, Finance and Operations Matt Sullivan. Both Rundle and Sullivan learned a lot on a difficult topic. He informed the Board about the Facilities and Operations team working on the installation of the Raptor safety program which will allow any teacher to put a school in lockdown.

Legislative Report – Director Martinez updated the Board on a school visits by the 41^st Legislative District Representatives and Senator in November. Student Representative Lucy Dorer told the Board she attended the PTA Legislative Assembly with another student at MIHS. Dorer and Student Representative Brody Newcomer ran a Candidate Information Session at MIHS on Thursday, October 23 for the three candidates running for the School Board.

Board Announcements, Inquiries, and Reports – Direct Lurie spoke about attending the Islander Middle School Tier 1 meeting which was a meeting about how to support students at the school.

Director Martinez – Director Martinez spoke to the Board about helping elementary parents understand how to minimize iPad use by students while at home. She attended the New Family Welcome Event on October 16.

Director Glowitz – Director Glowitz spoke about school financing in Washington and in MISD.

Director Lee – Director Lee attended the Lakeridge PAC meeting.

Director Tucker – Director Tucker spoke about the audio quality of the Owl system that broadcasts Board meetings and the potential cost for replacing the system. She asked the Superintendent and IT Director Andreeves Ronser to speak about the system and the search they did to replace the Owl.

The meeting was adjourned at 7pm.

We encourage community members to watch the YouTube recording of the October 23 Board Meeting to learn more about what was discussed by Board Directors. 

To see when the next Board Meeting is visit the Meeting Calendar and Agendas page.

To learn more about MISD’s School Board Directors visit our School Board Information page.