Although she was dealing with a rough case of laryngitis, the newest member of the Issaquah School District’s board of directors, Lisa Callan, took the oath of office, albeit quietly, at the Dec. 11 board meeting.

Marnie Maraldo, who ran unopposed to retain her seat, also took the oath of office. Maraldo was unanimously appointed to be the new board president, replacing Brian Deagle in that role.

Callan holds a BS in math and computer sciences from Northern Arizona University. She has been an active classroom and PTSA volunteer at Grand Ridge Elementary, where her son goes to school. Callan served in numerous PTSA leadership roles, and has been active on the levy advisory committee.

She attended a “new director” boot camp at the Washington State School Director’s Association conference last month, with over 180 new directors from various districts.

Superintendent Ron Thiele reported yet another clean audit for the district — the 11th year in row. He said the district is currently conducting a comprehensive safety and security assessment at all ISD sites, to ensure staff maintains a culture of highly ethical principles.

The result of the healthy youth survey, which was given to students in grades 6, 8 and 10 revealed that those students feel a bit less safe since Newtown. The statistics for seniors is not quite accurate because only two of the high schools received the correct survey.

More cheating, less bullying and fewer incidents involving weapons were also reported in the survey. Unexcused absences remained static at .2 percent from the past two surveys, graduation rates are up, and ISD has a very good track record of recycling and sustainability.