School board approves new match curriculum, hears senior trip plans

The Wahkiakum School District Board of Directors met Tuesday and approved a new math curriculum for K-8 students after a presentation from teachers Cindy Fudge, Jeff Pillar, and Principal Nikki Reese. The program will cost the district $75,000.

Pillar said he was “converted” after spending a little time getting to know the curriculum and trying it out in his classroom.

The board was initially hesitant to approve the new curriculum because administration and staff had not followed their usual procedure, which requires a school board member and a parent to be involved in the process, but they were encouraged by the teachers’ excitement for the the program.

The board accepted resignations from Fern Fey and Cathy Murphy, as well as a resignation from Marc Niemeyer as JV boys basketball coach. They also approved the hire of Courtney Helms to the position of para-professional.

They approved the purchase of a used 2006 Ford Taurus SE Sedan for traffic safety education and up to $25,000 for a used SUV or all-wheel van to replace the vehicle damaged in a recent accident involving the golf team.

Principal Stephanie Leitz outlined end of the year details with the board, including how staff and students were helping to transition the eighth grade class to high school. She said that senior trip plans to Seattle were coming together. The graduating class will enjoy a dinner boat cruise on Lake Union, Pikes Place Market, and a visit to an escape room.

Administrative Director Brent Freeman talked about what he had been learning while attending a couple conferences and working with other resources as he prepared to step in to the role of superintendent in July.

“I feel like I’m starting to ramp up,” Freeman said. “I’ve started building some good relationships and I’ve been assigned a mentor, the superintendent out of Castle Rock.”

Superintendent Bob Garrett said that enrollment had gone down by five students in the last month and gave an update about the purchase of a phone and public address system for K-8, which may cost the district as much as $50,000. They may also integrate the public address system at the high school.

The meeting closed for an executive session to discuss negotiations, personnel evaluations, and potential litigation.

The date for the next school board meeting was moved to June 21.