High school remodel plan tabled

The Wahkiakum School Board met Monday night to discuss the future of the high school remodel project and other issues.

Superintendent Bob Garrett told the board he learned from Doug Nichols of the Educational Service District the planned remodel project can be re-evaluated for under $10 million.

With the local economic and fiscal pictures both locally and nationally looking rather bleak, Garrett asked the board to consider whether the project should move forward or be put on hold.

Board Member Mike Quigley asked what could be fixed now that wouldn’t be affected by a potential remodel. He expressed concern that it could be a waste of money.

At this time, however, the board came to a consensus to hold off on the remodel project.

In other business, the board approved several supplemental contracts. They are Kyle Hurley as Middle School Boys Basketball Coach, Assistant Coach Tony Harmon; Steve McClain as Assistant Girls Basketball Coach, High School Drama Advisor Mark Phillips;

High School Wrestling Coach John Hannah, Assistant Wrestling Coach Keith Burns; High School Boys Basketball Coach Bill Olsen, Assistant Coach Jerod Moore; High School Baseball Coach Kyle Hurley, Assistant Coach Marc Niemeyer; Assistant Coach Jeff Rooklidge; High School Softball Coach Fred Hoven and an assistant coach yet to be named.

Wahkiakum High School Principal Loren Davis announced the Students of the Month for September are Freshman Blaine Edwards, Sophomore Carmen Hilton, Junior Ashley Helms, and Senior Brady Johns. The Lions Club/KLOG Senior was Kari Schillios.

Davis said Regional Math Coordinator Sue Bluestein spoke with teachers on the last teacher in-service day about math trends. Each grade level worked on deciding which direction they would like to go with their students.

Teachers will continue to work on their plans during the next in-service day scheduled for November 4. Davis said Bluestein will return in March to see how the plans have been working and help to improve math scores, especially on the WASL.

“I was very encouraged by that and she was very well received by most of the staff,” Davis added.

Julius A. Wendt Elementary/John C. Thomas Middle School Principal Theresa Libby reported the annual PTO gift wrap fundraiser collected over $7000.

Libby said she was pleased with the recent “9 Characteristics of High Performing Schools” survey her staff recently participated in.

“Overall, I feel like we are moving in the right direction,” she said. “I think they are really good scores and they a lot for how our staff is working together and has a shared focus. I was really happy about that.”

Garrett said after the recent cuts to the county, the district has lost the school resource officer (SRO) position. He said he is searching for ways to fill some of the holes left behind.

He said he hopes to use one of the part time teachers as a prevention/intervention person. As far as security issues, they will need to call the sheriffs office. The whole situation is unfortunate, Garrett said.

Garrett told the board about his recent trip to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis with Kyle Hurley and students Amanda Collier, Brittney Robbins and Jessica Asmus.

The girls were state finalists and presented their environmental science project to the National Board. Although they did not place in the top three, it was a good experience for them.

The next meeting of the Wahkiakum School Board is scheduled for November 24, at 7 p.m. in the high school library.