Naselle/GRV School Board authorizes capital projects

On April 18, the Naselle/GRV School Board met at the Grays River Fire Hall with good attendance and students representing several school programs. One board member, Tyson Vogeler, attended by Zoom reporting he could hear everything well. The beginning of the agenda was focused on personnel with the following items receiving the board’s approval: 1) to hire Blake Updike as JV coach; 2) laying off Michael Johnson, digital technology assistant as of June 30; and 3) laying off Marie Green as covid tester. Both layoffs are a result of eliminating these grant-funded positions of covid tester and digital tech assistant. Then Policy 4125 regarding parental involvement was considered for the second reading and approved.

Seniors gave a presentation on their proposed senior trip to Sun River, Oregon. They raised money throughout their four years in high school to cover costs for their trip. Details were offered to the board as part of their request for approval so they can commit to the expenditure of funds and finalize reservations and plans. A local donor has offered his home in Sun River as a place for the boys to stay while in Sun River. The board approved their request and expressed their hopes for a good trip. The students expressed their thanks.

Four capital projects were presented with requests to the board for authorization so that these projects can begin soon and be completed, if possible, before the 2023-2024 school year begins. The funding is available, and the requests were prioritized by the district’s Facilities Committee. The four separate requests were presented and approved as follows: First, the Track Replacement Project at $350,00 including tax as listed in the Facilities Master Plan. The project could be completed this summer. Second, Security Upgrades at $72,000 including tax, to install video monitors in all classrooms, along with panic buttons in rooms and office for urgent situations. Third, Carpet Replacement Phase 1 at $80,000. This project includes replacing half the carpet in the school and could be done this summer. Fourth, Septic Replacement/Expansion Phase 1 at up to $100,000 to begin work on development, design and bids for work to be done.

Principal Justin Laine, teachers and students in the 4th grade presented reports on their Robotics project and reported that many on the robotics team qualified for a trip to Maryland this year. A Career Talks speaker, Dr. Jen Zamon, a Research Fishery Biologist, spoke to students describing her work at the NOAA Point Adams Research Station. Mr. Laine also reported on the Seniors who made a trip to Olympia as part of a “Capitol Classroom” program. The students and teachers with the group talked about attending a legislative meeting and observing the two chambers. All District 19 legislators visited with the group.

The May meeting of the school board will be held May 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the school library.