Board tables Farm Forest proposal

The October 24 meeting of the Wahkiakum School Board meeting brought thanks and concerns over a variety of business.

The potential sale of a piece of property known as “Farm Forest” was expected to draw a large crowd, but that fizzled as only five residents were present to express their disdain over the sale. The Town of Cathlamet wants to buy 4.75 acres to use as the site of a new sewer system treatment plant.

Board members Willie Johnson and Mike Quigley expressed concern about the sparse crowd. “Nobody cares until somebody does something,” Johnson said.

George Hanigan was one of the five residents present and was concerned the school would sell part of the property belonging to the Catholic church as it sits adjacent to the school board’s property. He said the access road to the forest needs to be addressed because of the closeness to the church property.

Puget Island resident Gilbert Vik said that most of the people he has talked to thought the sale was a done deal because the board had met “secretly” in executive sessions; however, he said, he was happy to hear that it isn’t. Quigley reminded Vik the discussion isn’t new, citing numerous articles and letters to the editor in recent issues of The Eagle. He also reminded Vik the topic discussed in executive session was made public as well.

Vik said he didn’t think it spoke well for the board that the community thinks it is a done deal. Board members disagreed, and Superintendent Bob Garrett said he believed the lack of community members in attendance of the meeting means that very few people object to the sale of the property, or they would have been in attendance.

The board received a letter from Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow stating that the Farm Forest's past designation as an environmental educational area under a federal program in the 1970s posed no restrictions on sale of the property.

Mayor Dick Swart told the board the tentative price for the 4.75 acres is $184,500. Should the sale of the property go through, the money would benefit the school, Quigley added.

The board tabled further discussion to its November 21 meeting. Garrett said the access road issue would need to be researched in the meantime.

In other business:

--Swart spoke to the board regarding the 2007 September Swim Session. He said he hoped that next year’s budget will allow another session. “On behalf of the town and the council, I want to thank you,” he said.

Beth Hansen, executive director of St. James Family Center was present with United Way Board Member Bob Johnson and Campaign Chair Bill Reed.

Reed gave a short presentation on the importance of donating to the United Way. He spoke about the programs and where the donations go including the St. James Family Center. “It’s a very good way to give,” Reed added.

--Garrett told the board the seniors have submitted ideas for a senior trip. A possible idea this year is white water rafting. Garrett told the board and the board agreed, that pending Garrett checking with the insurance company, the trip is a possibility. As long as it is a licensed, guided business and the parents sign off, it is an acceptable activity, Garrett said.

The trip would be taken on a non-school day, so the seniors could use the money they have raised and will raise this year.

The last day of school, on the condition of no weather related cancellations will be June 13. Graduation has also been set for June 13.

Wahkiakum High School Principal Loren Davis said he was pleased with the trip to a college fair at Lower Columbia College October 16. He said that many of the juniors and seniors attended and were able to speak to different colleges.

Davis said 70 students participated in the PSAT (Preliminary Standardized Aptitude Test) testing this month and many others the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.) Students taking the PSAT will be prepared for the SAT (Standardized Aptitude Test). By taking the PSAT students will also be placed in the National Merit Scholars program. “Their score in the math program,” Davis said, “may be used instead of their WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) score so they can get a Certificate of Academic Achievement from the state of Washington when they graduate.”

The annual Veteran’s Day assembly will be on Thursday, November 8 at 12:45 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Julius A. Wendt Elementary and John C. Thomas Middle School Principal Theresa Libby said the feedback regarding the Family Access program has been positive. The site allows parents to keep track of how their child is doing grade wise. She said that parents can also email teachers directly from the site if they have questions concerning their child’s behavior.

The Missoula Children’s Theater will be here November 5-10. The play this year will be “Robin Hood”. Tryouts will be November 5 after school and there will be two performances in the high school gym on November 10.

The elementary school has t-shirts on sale for $5 and sweatshirts on sale for $10. “They were designed by student Jessica Thomas and are very cute!” Libby said.

The next Wahkiakum County School Board meeting will be held on November 21 at 7 p.m. in the high school library, and as always, the public is invited to attend.