Local News

The Wahkiakum School District board of directors is wrestling with the $800,000 question: How to address maintenance needs.
The board began reviewing March 21 a report by district Maintenance Supervisor Bob McClintock, who has identified needs and projects with an estimated cost of $879,900.
After going through the report, directors agreed to give themselves some time to study the list; they scheduled a special meeting for tonight (Thursday), 7 p.m. at the Wahkiakum High School Library to begin setting priorities.
The board will also continue deliberation on a request from Cheerleader Coach Lisa Hannah to add an assistant cheerleading coach with a responsibility for supervising a new cheer crew for wrestling.
Hannah said students want to have wrestling cheerleaders, and she can't supervise both wrestling and basketball cheerleaders at the same time.
Directors asked her to bring more information and a written recommendation to the special meeting for further consideration.

McClintock has identified 35 needs, which he called deferred maintenance items, for needed work that has been ignored or delayed because of funding or other concerns.
The items ranged from poor railings on gymnasium bleachers to the high school roof.
"The high school, which is approximately 45 years old, has reached the end of its predicted 45-year life cycle," he wrote in his report. "It should be the next scheduled facility to be remodeled."
Items needing attention include access ramps for disabled persons, locker rooms, doors, ceiling tiles, heat pumps and exhaust fans, the video surveillance system, the fire alarm system, and the roof.
Also portable classrooms at both school sites need attention or replacement, he said.

The board did vote to declare surplus four portables at the middle school. Only one is in use, said Principal Theresa Libby.
The board also authorized Superintendent Bob Garrett to call for bids for re-roofing the middle school.
Director Willy Johnson suggested that gymnasium skylights be removed as part of the roofing work. The skylights have had problems with leaks over the years and aren't needed, he said.

Wrestling Coach John Hannah asked the board to consider expanding the weight training room, which serves as the wrestling room during that sport's season.
The PE program must move weight training equipment upstairs in the gym, and that is a cumbersome process, he said.
The group agreed to gather information on possible configurations and building prices for future discussion.

The Wahkiakum County Eagle -- 77 Main Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612
-- Phone 360-795-3391 -- Fax 360-795-3983

Contact The Eagle -- About The Wahkiakum County Eagle