N/GRV School Board Notes

The Naselle-Grays River Valley School Board of Directors held its monthly meetings on Nov. 17 and Dec. 15.

On Nov.17, the regular board meeting was preceded by a special workshop for the board to discuss the district’s upcoming ballot measure for renewal of its enrichment program and operations levy. At the workshop, the length of the levy proposal and amount were considered.

Following the workshop, the board met for its regular meeting and approved a resolution to place a three-year proposal on the Feb. 9 ballot to collect $579,000 per year, beginning in 2022 and running through 2024 if the levy passes. The levy will support all co-curricular and extra-curricular activities along with coaches and advisors who support these programs, in addition to courses, activities and portions of personnel outside of the basic education program funded by the State.

A mid-year evaluation of the superintendent was conducted as well during the November meeting.

At its December meeting, the board acknowledged the resignation of Rob Baker as track coach and approved his resignation for C-squad basketball coach, effective at the end of the 2021 season.

Superintendent Nelson reported that the district is currently seeking applicants for middle school boys’ basketball and high school track coaches.

Principal Justin Laine shared a presentation with the board on what remote learning activities the students and staff have been working on during this time to not only improve student engagement, but also, to help lift students’ spirits during this time.

At this point, the district plans to resume in-person learning on Jan. 11, although it is keeping a close eye on covid-19 cases and the county’s ability to manage the pandemic.

In other orders of business, the board voted to retain both Chuck Hendrickson and Amy Hunt in their respective positions of board chair and vice chair. Amy Chadwick will remain the legislative representative, and Lonnie Eaton will continue to be the representative for the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association.

Superintendent Nelson continued to share her concern about declining enrollment at the Youth Camp facility. With covid-19 cases remaining high, issues at the juvenile court system are often being delayed.

Nelson said that the Pacific County prosecutor had approved the district’s levy resolution and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction had also approved the district’s levy expenditure plan.

The district plans to schedule presentations regarding the coming levy over Zoom. Ballots are due to be postmarked by Feb. 9, 2021 and citizens with questions about the ballot measure should contact Superintendent Lisa Nelson at (360) 484-7121 ext. 2 or email at lnelson@naselleschools.org.

The next board meeting will be held January 19 at 6:30 p.m.