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

Naselle-Grays River Valley School Board members and staff discussed new technology, a new name, and a new policy at their meeting on August 17.

Business manager John Tienhaara demonstrated the use of an Apple iPad, one possible option the school board could use to reduce its use of paper. The board was in full support of purchasing iPad for themselves to use for board meetings. Tienhaara also announced that this year, all incoming high school freshmen will be receiving iPad.

Administrative Assistant Marilyn Strange reported that she had spoken with relatives of Dick Grabenhorst, who said that it would be an honor if the school named a second gym, if built, after Grabenhorst. Grabenhorst, who served as superintendent of Naselle Schools for 29 years and as a coach and active Washington Interscholastic Activities Association member, died in June at the age of 88.

The board discussed the adoption of a purchasing authorization and control policy recommended by the Washington State School Directors’ Association. Board member Gilbert Haataia stated that a limit of $25,000 is too high for such a small school. Board member Robert Torppa responded that he thinks that any lower number would tie the hands of the business manager. Torppa recommended the limit stay at $25,000 but a program should be implemented that would alert the school board if the business manager spends over $10,000 on any one thing.

By the end of August, the schools' reserves will be at $350,000, roughly six percent of the operating budget. Last month the reserves were at 10 percent with $618,221 in the bank. The reason for this loss of money is that the four percent used over the month was actually money that belonged to the youth camp school and was reserved to pay the salaries of laid off teachers if the youth camp closed. Because the youth camp did not close, the state required that the money be spent or returned.

Prinicpal Karen Wirkkala reported that school begins September 2 and the kindergarten class will have 25 or 26 kids this year. This year’s sixth graders will participate in the middle school scheduling system, rotating to different classrooms and teachers.

Wirkkala announced that Alan Bennett, the 4th grade teacher for 2009-2010, will teach reading at the youth camp, last year’s 6th grade teacher Eileen Williams will teach 4th grade, and high school teacher Russ Hickman will teach some middle school classes.

Naselle Youth Camp School Principal Lisa Nelson reported that the youth camp served 329 students over the past year, with a 104 day average length of stay. Fifty-nine students were awarded high school diplomas or GEDs. The school is currently on summer break and will resume school on September 2.