Naselle board discusses issues

Naselle school board members discussed the coming school levy vote, current scenarios about the future of the Naselle Youth Camp, and other matters at a January 19 meeting.

During the public comment session, Naselle resident Steve Gacke detailed his concerns about the financial impact of the proposed school levy in a timber industry dependent community that has felt the effects of the economic downturn.

Director Gilbert Haataia clarified that a clause in the levy exempts people who earn under $35,000 a year and meet other qualifications, and that without the levy, the school is looking at a drop in the size of the all day kindergarten program, a reduction in the amount and funding of specialty classes, and a significant drop in the amount of money the school receives overall.

Gacke also suggested the board be given all information that is going to be presented at the meetings earlier so that they have adequate review time in order to make informed decisions. Interim Superintendent Dr. Rick Pass replied that informational packets are mailed to school board members a week prior to meetings.

Pass reported that 10 community meetings had been scheduled with various community groups to discuss the upcoming vote on the school levy. Two more are planned and an informational leaflet will be inserted into basketball game programs to raise further awareness.

Pass’s one year interim contract ends on June 30, and board members discussed appointing several members to serve as contract negotiation representatives as the board enters into discussions with Pass about a new contract. Haataia commented it is difficult to negotiate a contract without knowing the actual size of state budget cuts.

District Business Manager / Assistant Principal John Tienhaara gave the principal’s report in the absence of Principal Karen Wirkkala. Tienhaara reported five new students enrolled during the last month, reserve funds are at the recommended level of 9 percent of the annual budget, and that the district continues to spend less than it receives. He also asked that the board discuss a proposal at a future meeting to bring a drug sniffing dog from the Pacific County Sheriff’s Department to the school.

Naselle Youth Camp Principal Lisa Nelson reported that the youth camp school is operating over budget due to enrolling 93 students compared to their budgeted number of 84. Nelson detailed current scenarios about the future of the youth camp, saying that Governor Gregoire’s administration has proposed scaling the camp down to 50 residents.

Nelson said Juvenile Rehabilitation Adminstration leaders were scheduled to tour the camp this week and that she, Tienhaara, and others had recently attended a Senate Ways and Means committee meeting to testify on behalf of the youth camp.

Video archives of the testimony are available online at http://www.tvw.org.