The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

The Wahkiakum School District Board of Directors started the new year off without Tim Hanigan, a board member who resigned in December, and spent much of the meeting discussing the declining numbers in boys sports and learning about how plans were progressing for security at the school.

“Our community has always supported sports programs,” Garland Budd, a local resident said. Now it looks like there is a danger that the programs will not continue. Have you discussed it? Have you got any projects going to rectify it?”

“We are aware that our numbers are dwindling in athletic programs and that it is more so with the males right now,” Superintendent Bob Garrett said. “We don’t have any plans to discontinue a program in its entirety unless participation rate falls so low we don’t have enough for a team.

“We’re planning to have baseball in the spring,” Garrett continued. “We certainly want to have football. I just spoke with one of the football coaches about this situation. I asked if we were going to have to play eight man football. He said he thought we would have at least 20 guys out and they expect to play 11 man.”

Budd wondered if anyone knew why kids weren’t turning out.

“One of the things I’ve noticed because my kids are younger,” Wahkiakum High School Principal Stephanie Leitz said, “is that a lot of children all over the state are choosing not to play. They’re just not participating, whether it’s technology or money or it’s a hardship on the family. I’ve seen that in other schools too.”

Garrett pointed out that several schools throughout the area have had to combine in order to have enough students for an athletic program.

“We discussed combining with Naselle a few months ago,” he said. “But with KM between us, it’s not practical. Plus, Naselle has said they won’t combine. If they are forced to combine, they said they will join another school to the west like Ilwaco or South Bend. We have to do the best we can with the kids who are willing to play.”

After some discussion, administrators agreed to create a survey to find out what the students in the district are thinking and why they aren’t turning out.

Garrett updated the board on his work with Maintenance Supervisor Mike Wright and Construction Services Group (CSG) to provide security at the school.

“We’re getting close,” he said, “but nothing is cast in stone yet. We are hoping to have this project done this summer. We’re really pleased with CSG and the development of this project. It will be very sweet when it gets done.”

About three years ago, the district hired someone from ESD 112 to work as a business manager one day a week in the office, replacing a full time district clerk position. At the time, the decision saved the district money but with a rise in fees and staff now feeling overwhelmed, Garrett suggested they let go of the part time business manager and return the job to a full time district clerk position.

“I think it’s a good idea,” School Board Member Tina Schubert said. “I’m always in favor of a local job.”

The board approved.

According to Garrett, enrollment continues to rise with four more students just this month.

Last, Garrett took a moment to show his appreciation for the school board.

“We know you are here for the kids and that’s what we are all about,” he said. “We just want to say thank you for the great job you guys do and I sincerely mean that.”

The next meeting is scheduled for February 24.