Wahkiakum school board

The Wahkiakum School District Board of Education held its regular December meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The original agenda was amended to add an executive session and discussion on the pool information.

The consent agenda was approved as submitted, which included regular payroll, vouchers, meeting minutes, supplemental contracts, and the second reading of the civil rights policy update.

The old business was short, and the focus of discussion was on the child’s nutrition review with the upcoming January audit of the school nutrition program. “There are no issues, it is just a regular review by the state,” shared Superintendent Palmer. Additionally, the civil rights policy review and training for staff members was briefed.

New Business was introduced with presentations from Ron Wright, the staff robotics instructor, and the Robo Rascals 4H club. Wright’s presentation was a rundown on the engineering club he leads that uses robotics to learn concepts. He discussed the program and how they used the project and parameters to meet the challenge goals using shared robots, software, and controllers. Wright’s class demonstrated models they built sharing what the club was working on. Wright noted the intricacy of differing projects the students are building to meet the challenges in middle and high school. His group will be participating in a special contest that they were invited to attend due to their national championship award. The contest is sponsored by the Department of National Defense. Students are already preparing for next year’s competition. Wright explained that these contests are open to all school levels and not split by school size.

Wright introduced Jessica Vik, the 4H Robo Rascals leader and coach. Her club members were introduced and then shared a presentation of their current projects. Club members came prepared with a presentation to wow the school board. This talented group of youth shared what they did over the year, studying four units to learn the basics of robots while developing leadership skills. The club meets twice a month, has a family fun night, and does multiple field trips throughout the club year. The large group filled the seats of the board room, bringing robots to demonstrate, posters, visuals, and individual projects. Phillip O’Malley, a fifth grader, shared a spinner robot for example. Other students shared 3D projects they built and described how they used them to make art and complete robot challenges. Randy Vik, a fourth grader, discussed learning engineering in building bridges. Emmaline Vik and Emily Sutton shared how they are learning the value of teamwork and how the students sold robotics projects to help fund their program. Henry Frink, a third grader, proudly shared about community service activities they participate in, such as collecting 450 pounds of scrap. To close, Chloe Sutton, a seventh grader, talked about an upcoming field trip to the hospital where they will learn about robots in the medical field.

Next in old business, Patty Anderson shared the details about a T mobile grant for $50,000 she is working on with the pool. The grant would cover things like windows and door seals and expand the pool area by removing fencing to a shaded area. The school has been asked about the road next to the pool and if work can be done to slow traffic down on it but there are fire codes that may limit that. Additional discussion regarding the pool-school collaboration was had including providing space for signage and the possibility of a dust barrier. The pool is an asset to the school education experience and community. The pool is collaborating with other key stakeholders to improve its availability, including a partnership with the Woman’s Club that provides free tuition for swimming lessons. Anderson represents the board at the pool committee meetings and will attend the next meeting in March.

Principal reports provided positive insight into the valuable learning experiences students are having with the new four-day week model. Friday school has been offered for students needing tutoring or additional work time, which is proving successful. Principal Leitz shared that the Honor Society held its induction ceremony with Advisor Audrey Peterson taking the lead on it, six new members were inducted. Teachers had an in-service to train on the upgraded grading system from Skyward to Cumulative as well.

Principal Reese was proud to share the experience middle school science students had in attending the Science Olympiad. Alice Poulson, a Science teacher at JC Thomas, took a small group to attend the event and many had successes in the competition, including two students who built a tower that held 11kg of sand. Students returned home inspired and excited. Reese also shared the middle school CTE class attending the MERCS for a field trip in Astoria to explore maritime careers.

Mr. Hurley, a CTE instructor at the high school, gave an update on the reciept of the activity grant of $40,000 and the exciting news of the excavator to be used for student training. Labor and Industries is coming in January to issue OSHA cards to students who learn.

A financial report was provided by Sue Ellyson, sharing that expenses are at 33.33% of the budget with 33.84% of the year completed. “Expenditures are under $497,000, which is the lowest we have seen in a long time,” shared Ellyson. Superintendent Ric Palmer reviewed the finances with the general fund at $1,479,284 and capital reserves at $290196.09. “Enrollment is holding at where we budgeted,” shared Palmer. “Maintenance is a never-ending battle, and we are working on grants for these things. Down the road money should come to fix things like sewer lines at some point and small construction projects.” Palmer also noted that Apollo is coming to install the fire alarm system soon. In addition, the superintendent search is underway, and activity is happening with more applicants expected, due by Feb. 21. “All is feeling good,” shared Palmer.