School board busy with art, personnel

Before moving on to other matters, the Wahkiakum School District Board of Directors heard a request for a future display of student art at the school entrance along SR 4.

Sue Garn, the art teacher at the high school, talked about the origin and evolution of the project.

At the time, students in her class did not seem enthused with what they had been working on when she decided to redirect them. As it was the school mascot, she asked them to draw mules instead.

"Everyone was engaged," Garn said, "even those that are typically reluctant to work. The mules they were drawing were just precious, charming."

As students worked, she was reminded of another art project, the Cow Parade. That project took place in 79 cities around the world. Artists submitted designs to cover the white life-size fiberglass cows. The winners went on to paint the cow with their design, and they were displayed in public places around each city.

She reached out to the Vocational/Agriculture teacher Kyle Hurley.

"I heard Kyle speak with great affection for his program," Garn said.

Students in Hurley's classroom scanned 13 drawings into a CAD program and cut the designs from 4 x 4 squares of metal.

Garn also contacted managers at Lowe's and Sherwin Williams in Longview.

"Lowe's was willing to help with expense of cement and finding a way to secure them into the ground," Garn said. "It would be so much fun to have them here."

"We're excited at the store," Allen Byrnes, the manager from Lowe's told the school board. "I hope it's just the beginning of a really good relationship."

Shaina Devlin, the manager from Sherwin Williams donated all the paint, according to Garn.

Though the artwork had not been completed, Garn hoped to get an okay from the board for a public display. She got it.

"I think we should put them all up there," Director Paula Culbertson said. She was attending the meeting by phone.

The project was approved.

Principal Theresa Libby, who turned in her resignation earlier this year, was recognized by the board for her work at the school district. Superintendent Bob Garrett presented her with a gift.

In other business, the board accepted Tina Merz's resignation as assistant high school basketball coach. They then approved Lindsey Avalon, a former standout at Ilwaco High School, as her replacement.

The board approved a rise in some meal prices for the 2017-2018 school year.

During the principals' reports, Libby said that the new principal, Nikki Reese had come down for a visit and a tour.

"I think that transition is going to be amazing," she said.

Principal Stephanie Leitz told the board that she and Michele Haberlach, the departing math teacher, had met with the two incoming math teachers, Joel Stetzer, and Eli McElroy, a recent Wahkiakum graduate.

"It was a great meeting," Leitz said. "They are both really excited and happy to be here."

Director Shawn Merz asked if there would be any disruption in the college credit math classes offered at the school.

"Joel (Stetzer) is coming from Lower Columbia College," Leitz said. "He's had experience teaching college and has sent his application to Central Washington University. We've been in contact with the head of the math department at CWU and he thinks everything is on track. He should be good to go in the fall and there should be no interruption in that offering of college credit.

The college-in-high school program is made possible by Central, and Wahkiakum students can receive credits for college algebra and trigonometry.

Director Robin Westphall had some news about the Parent Teacher Organization.

"I'm excited to have a new PTO executive board," she said. "All six positions are filled with a combination of teachers and parents. I think it's going to be an amazing year next year."

Garrett reported on enrollment and the budget. The general fund was at 75 percent and he was keeping an eye on it, he said, but they were nine months into the year and he hoped that the summer months would prove to be less expensive.

He officially introduced Brent Freeman, the new administrative director, to the board.

"He's super excited and willing to take on anything that we ask him to. He takes initiative. He's going to be a great addition," Garrett said.

Talk turned to the new greenhouse at the high school.

"It looks amazing," Director Shawn Merz said.

"The greenhouse is 90 percent done," Garrett said. "We're really pleased with the work that has been done."

Westphall said that she had been researching greenhouses and had some suggestions regarding circulation and the layout of the greenhouse floor.

"There was some discussion about cementing the entire floor," she said, "and the little bit of information I've found is that it can cause mold and disease, especially if you don't have good circulation."

Wilson suggested a runway down the middle to make sure it's accessible for wheelchairs.

No decisions were made.

Finally, Garrett noted that the annual budget hearing was typically done during the first 15 minutes of the July meeting.

"Tentatively that is what I will plan on but as you all know the legislature is not done yet," he said. "When I know for sure, I'll let you know."

In an executive session the board approved contracts for 2017-2018 for Garrett in the amount of $78,354 and Leitz in the amount of $89,930.