The Port Angeles School District Board of Directors convenes for its standard session at 5 p.m. in Room 208 at the Lincoln Center, located at 905 W. Ninth St. This gathering marks the board’s initial regular session since the June 18 meeting, where directors voted 4-1 to censure Director Nancy Hamilton, and since Hamilton filed a lawsuit against the district and the board in Clallam County Superior Court on July 14.
While the published agenda does not explicitly list the censure, Resolution 2526-18, or the ongoing litigation, and no executive session is scheduled, the consent agenda includes the approval of minutes from the June 18 session where the censure was passed.
At 6:30 p.m., a public hearing will address the district’s proposed 2026-27 budget. Greg Geyer, serving as director of finance and operations, will present the proposal, followed by an opportunity for community input. Final adoption of the budget is set for the board’s next regular meeting on Aug. 13.
This budget hearing comes after a spring during which the district implemented staffing reductions, including a May-approved cut to paraeducators that Director Hamilton opposed, to address an estimated $1.9 million shortfall for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The district attributes this deficit to falling enrollment and increasing operational costs.
During the main session, directors will vote on Resolution 2627-01, which delegates authority for the sale of the district’s 2026 unlimited tax general obligation bonds. Voters endorsed the $140 million bond program in November 2024. In May, the board was informed that the district intends to sell the remaining $110 million this fall to finance several construction projects, including the replacement of Stevens Middle School with the new Hurricane Ridge Middle School, a new Franklin Elementary School, and upgrades at Port Angeles High School.
Additional items on the docket include review of the 2026-27 fee schedule and first readings of revised policies regarding Sexual Health Education (Policy 2125) and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education (Policy 2126). Directors will also finalize committee assignments for the 2026-27 term, selecting representatives for legislative duties, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, an audit committee, and various other boards, such as those for career and technical education, instructional materials, safe schools, and the Cares Team community engagement board.
Several reports are scheduled for presentation. Jarred Blauser, director of educational technology, will deliver the annual technology review. Casey McDonald and Eric Britton will discuss the Safe Schools program. Rhonda Kromm will present results from the 2025-26 CEE survey, and Geyer will provide the June financial report. Superintendent Michelle Olsen is expected to report toward the conclusion of the meeting.
The consent agenda also covers personnel actions, approximately $4.9 million in vouchers and wire payments—with over $4 million coming from the capital projects fund—two signed change orders for the middle school project, and the surplus of four district vehicles.
The session is open to the public and will be broadcast live on the district’s YouTube channel. Community members may offer comments on agenda and non-agenda items during the regular meeting. Speakers must sign a sheet in the hallway, identify themselves when called, and limit their remarks to three minutes. Comments submitted via email in advance will be shared with directors during the correspondence segment. The agenda reminds attendees to avoid disrupting proceedings in accordance with RCW 42.30.050, the section of the Open Public Meetings Act governing interruptions.
During the June 18 session, Board President Sandy Long interrupted proceedings with two five-minute breaks in response to vocal disruptions from members of the public.