Cathlamet schools ready to start

Wahkiakum School District board members heard reports about back to school preparations from school administrators at their meeting August 18.

Elementary/middle school Principal Theresa Libby reported that 11 students participated in elementary summer school classes. Fall sports start practice during the week of August 23 and staff will return to work on August 30. There will be a back to school night for both schools on August 31 at 6 p.m. and during that time middle school students will be assigned a locker. School starts September 1.

Libby said the number of registered kindergartners mandates two classes and that the 7th grade class is almost to the size of splitting but would need several more students to enroll. She also announced that Kim Burns and Cheryl Parker were hired to fill two classified staff positions made vacant by retirements.

High school Principal Dan Casler announced that the staff welcome back training will occur on August 30 and new student orientation will occur at 7 p.m. on August 31. ASB officers will assist with leading the orientation.

Through a Gear Up grant, this year’s senior class will receive time and support to work on college applications and registration for college entrance exams. At the end of September all seniors will take a test the scores from which can function as placement test results for Washington community colleges, said Casler.

New athletic director Marc Niemeyer is working hard to update the coaches’ handbook, Casler said. The revised document is in the draft stage and will likely be presented at the September board meeting.

Superintendent Bob Garrett acknowledged district employees will be saddled with more out of pocket health care expenses this year due to significant increases in the cost of premiums.

Board member Mike Quigley questioned Garrett about a federal stimulus money act that was voted on recently. Media coverage of the act referenced the money as funding for teachers, said Quigley. He asked Garrett to comment on possible impacts on the district level. Garrett said he was aware the money was to be used for this school year but said it was unclear what if any impacts it might have on the local level. Garrett singled out splitting the 7th grade class of 31 into two smaller classes as one area he would consider for the stimulus money.

Board member Tony Boyce asked if the baseball fields adjacent to the football field would be usable this year. Drainage problems have been an issue during past seasons. Garrett said he would invite Maintenance Manager Bob McClintock to report to the board about possible drainage solutions at the September board meeting and added “my understanding is (McClintock) doesn’t believe there’s an inexpensive solution” to drainage issues.

The baseball fields will be on the agenda of the September 27 board meeting as a topic of discussion.