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

On May 17 the Naselle/Grays River Valley School Board held their monthly meeting. All board members were present, except Amy Chadwick. Five community members were present for the meeting. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and consent agenda. Personnel was next on the agenda with: 1) approval of summer school contracts for Moten, Baker, Flood, Rudolph, King and Teubner; 2) approval to hire Marie Green as head girls’ basketball coach; 3) acknowledge resignation from Jessica Mason, Naselle Youth Camp paraeducator.

During public comment, one parent questioned the board as to their awareness of students who will possibly be transferring to South Bend next fall. The board had no information as to how many students may be transferring and reminded all present that students come and go for any number of reasons. Another parent expressed concern that the board and administration seemed to be more focused on sports rather than academics, evidenced by photos posted on-line. Lisa Nelson, Superintendent, pointed out that photos posted online are for a variety of reasons and with many sporting events in a given week, the odds of sports pictures being posted was pretty high. There are more games than assemblies or field trips, but that the district tried to cover everything it could, even if it meant sometimes borrowing from other people.

Another parent questioned the board and administration’s focus on innovation for the future. Complaints were voiced that board members did not respond to their comments. Lisa Nelson requested that those who have concerns call and request a meeting with her so anyone with concerns can be heard fully and the administration can take any appropriate steps in response or prepare with information to answer what is being asked. Chuck Hendrickson reminded those present that any issue regarding individual staff or teachers cannot be discussed publicly so they need to be brought to the administration directly and privately so as to prevent performance discussions in public as there are legal issues regarding privacy for the person or persons being discussed.

Principal Justin Laine gave his report on dates as the school faces year-end events and summer school. Projected new course offerings for the high school include welding, guitars/music, and art. The baseball team is doing well and moving along toward state competitions in Ridgefield. Since the board meeting, the team qualified to play in the State Championship at Ridgefield this Saturday at 4 p.m. The robotics team will travel to Maryland on May 31 for national competition and the district was trying to coordinate travel so those students who are seniors could participate in the senior trip as well.

Kindergarten graduation will be held June 9 at 6 p.m. Evening of Excellence will be held June 8 at 7 p.m. High school graduation will be held June 11 at 4 p.m.

In New Business: 1) Board approved a resolution granting WIAA authority over athletes; 2) Approved use of school facilities and transportation for student summer activities; 3) Approved overnight summer travel for school activities; 4) Approved Facilities Committee Master Plan for 2022-2025. 5) Approved $5000 donation from the Naselle Education Foundation for robotics trip activities from May 31 – June 5.

In the superintendent’s report, Lisa Nelson reported there has been no contact from the state regarding planning being done for the Naselle Youth Camp. She has reached out but had no response.

Recent census data indicates there has been little change statistically in the board director boundaries over the past 10 years. The board will contemplate its next steps regarding this information.

There was some discussion among the board members as to removing the suspension of policy 1400 and meeting at the Grays River Fire Hall again, but no decision was made.

The next school board meeting will be held Tuesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.