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Eastside Fire and Rescue’s board of directors recently approved a new funding model for the emergency services partnership, ending nearly two years of debate on the future of the group. The new funding model takes effect in 2015, for a seven-year period. The changes include many of the updates the city of Sammamish had requested when officials there first announced they were considering withdrawing from the partnership. The Eastside Fire board also accepted changes to the interlocal agreement as recommended by an Ad Hoc Committee, formed in late November to review suggested changes as submitted by the five-party consortium. Most of the changes related to budget approval processes and member ownership of assets. Now, each of the partner entities will be asked to review and approve the new agreement before the end of January. Eastside Fire & Rescue was formed in 1999 by agreements involving Issaquah, King County Fire District 10/Carnation, North Bend, Fire District 38, and Sammamish. Medical, fire, and rescue services are provided to 120,000 residents over 190 square miles.
Mount Si to add school resource officer The Snoqualmie Valley School District and the city of Snoqualmie are partnering to add a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Mount Si High School this school year. The hiring process for the officer is now underway. The uniformed officer will be based at Mount Si High School, to assist with school safety and security needs. The Snoqualmie Police Department will hire the officer, but high school students and staff will be represented on the hiring team. While the officer will be a city of Snoqualmie employee, both the city and school district will share salary costs. “Mount Si High School is one of the few high schools in King County without a school-based officer,” explained Principal John Belcher. “We are excited about this partnership with local law enforcement and look forward to welcoming the new SRO. An onsite officer will help our staff ensure the safety and security of our school environment, as well as offer a positive role model for students.” The school resource officer will interact with students and staff, to forge a stronger working relationship with the school, and provide students personal involvement with local law enforcement. With a regular presence on campus, the officer can help deter or prevent incidents, conduct investigations when needed, serve as a liaison between the school and department, and assist in the classroom education regarding safety. “About 10 years ago, there was a school resource officer in our school district, but unfortunately, that service was discontinued due to budget cuts. Now, we look forward to re-establishing this relationship and the benefits it will provide our schools and our community,” said Snoqualmie Chief of Police Steve McCulley, who was instrumental in cultivating this opportunity. While school is in session, the SRO will be based primarily at Mount Si High School, but may support other schools as needed. When school is not in session, the officer will support other needs at the Snoqualmie Police Department.
CONTRACT FROM 1 The aim was to renew their contracts which expired Aug. 30. PSE includes most classified, or non-certificated, school staff such as bus drivers, custodians, aides and food service workers. SVASA membership includes most of
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the district secretarial staff. Both unions have requested mediation help, with limited success so far. “There's been no movement,” says Karen Seiser, copresident of SVASA, which had its first mediated meeting on Dec. 13. No offer resulted from that meeting, but another one is scheduled for Jan. 22. PSE negotiations did produce an offer, for a four-year contract with a roughly 2 percent annual pay increase, that the leadership team brought before its members in November. Union president Jill Holen had been hopeful that the offer would be acceptable to members, but the Nov. 25 vote was 68
to 60 against the offer. Since then, Holen said, no meetings have been set, but the leadership is planning on some member outreach. “We want to get a survey out, and see why it didn't pass,” she said. “We can't do anything until we find out what needs to change.” In recent months, members of both unions have filled the audiences of school board meetings, and called on the board during public comments to negotiate fair contracts. They felt they weren't being respected, and asked for a contract similar to the one accepted Sept. 8 by the Snoqualmie Valley Education Association, as teachers were
preparing to strike. That contract awarded teachers a 2 percent annual pay increase that, with other healthcare benefits, came to a roughly 8 percent increase over the three year term, according to state PSE representatives. Both unions agreed to postpone their contract negotiations over the summer months, to allow the district to resolve its contract with the teachers in time to avert the strike.
SPIRIT FROM 2 “I prayed that God would help me fill my boxes so that other kids could feel loved,” Navidi said. The next Sunday at church five different women came up to Julia and gave her rest of the toys she needed to fill her boxes to the brim. “She’s worked tirelessly for these boxes and the outcome has been magical. Her desire to give to others is really the true spirit of Christmas,” said Sandy Navidi. “It’s amazing what even a kid can do if she sets her mind to it.” Julia has already started working on her boxes for next year. Her goal is to make 75. In order to make her goal, Julia will need to earn over $1,000. National collection week for Operation Christmas Child is generally the third week in November. For more information about how to pack your own box visit occ.org or contact Tricia Howland, Valley relay coordinator at (425)-417-2386. To support Julia contact her mom, Sandy Navidi at snavidi@comcast.net.
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