Mandarin program continues

The Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Board of Directors met for its monthly meeting on March 17.

The board approved the resignations of the following staff: Toni Smith, assistant cook; Tina Verhulst, bus driver, and Sean McNulty, cross-county coach.

The board approved one year leave replacements for Seth Scrabeck, assistant fastpitch coach, and Karl Johnson, drama director.

The board approved leaves of absence for Rebekah Wirkkala, fastpitch coach and assistant volleyball, and Barb Swanson, drama director.

The board accepted the completion of a Study and Survey Grant process conducted by ESD 112 to assess the district’s facilities.

The purchase of 20 Apple laptops with Title I grant funds was also approved.

After considerable discussion on funding of the program, revenue offsets, and out of state tuition, the board agreed to the continuation of the Mandarin program for grades K, 1, 2 and 3 next year with a district maximum expenditure of $25,000, provided that adequate funding is raised by the Mandarin Support Group, Xiu Ling. A roll call vote was taken with Chuck Hendrickson, Robert Torppa, and Josh Holt voting in favor of the motion and Steve Gacke and Buddy Strange opposing it. Prior to the final motion being approved, two other motions were made with one not receiving a majority of the vote and one not receiving a second, so it was not put out to a vote.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 21 at 6:30 p.m.