The Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Board of Directors met for its monthly meeting on Tuesday in the Middle School Commons.

In personnel matters, George Garcia was hired as a bus driver. Regan Wirkkala and Lamar Wirkkala were hired as part-time groundskeepers. Nicole Burkhalter was hired as middle school volleyball coach and Kirsten Scrabeck as C-squad volleyball coach. The board also approved a one year leave of absence for Karl Smith, middle school football coach, and approved the temporary hire of Ryley Queener as a one year replacement for middle school football coach.

Under new business, the Title I plan for 2016-17 was approved. Fuel bids were granted to Ferrell Gas and Wilcox & Flegel. Overnight travel for fall school sports and activities was also approved. Finally, a list of items were approved as surplus for sale by the district in 2016.

Gary Flood, Naselle Youth Camp principal, shared news on the positive start to the school year. He said that 18 residents had earned their GEDs last school year. Superintendent Nelson shared with the board that a school resource officer, Deputy Hager, who works for the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office, will be at the school on occasion.

Superintendent Nelson notified the board that the district had been honored by the WellSpring Community Network for bringing ACES training to the staff. ACES training addresses working with students who have had adverse childhood experiences.

The district also received notification from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction that its Transportation Program has achieved a 100 percent efficiency rating for the 2014-15 school year. Data generated for this report lags one school year. Superintendent Nelson commented, “With a district as geographical dispersed as ours, this is a big accomplishment. Transportation expenses were reduced by $151,880 from the previous reporting year.”

The K-12 school also received notification from the Washington Association of School Administrators that according to a national study, Naselle-Grays River is near the top of the state in the achievement index of students of poverty.

The district has received a permit to add a road approach off of Highway 4 to improve access to the building. Work is scheduled to occur in October. Finally, it was reported that the K-12 school grew over 16 students this summer.

The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is October 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle School Commons.