Naselle Grays River Valley School Board meeting recap

During the Naselle Grays River Valley School Board meeting on Tuesday, March 17, Karen Nelson, who serves as head of the K-12 music program, provided a tour of the department's curriculum. Nelson explained that students in kindergarten through fourth grade “focus on general music, learning foundations of notation and singing through instruments like ukuleles and recorders.” Nelson also noted that Band, as a class, begins in fifth grade and “is now a chosen elective rather than a requirement.” Nelson reported the high school band has grown to 21 students and participates in joint "mass band" events with other small schools. During the meeting, a student representative shared that Band is a way for students to express themselves and that he enjoys “the learning curve" and challenges of the program.

Judith Huck, representing the Assistance League of the Columbia Pacific, detailed the group’s partnership with the district. The volunteer-run nonprofit provides brand new clothes to students through Operation School Bell to help build confidence and self-esteem. This year, the Assistance League served 44 high/middle school students and 25 elementary students in the Naselle district. The group also provides funding for school emergency closets and activity fees for sports and music, support for the National Robotics Competition and the purchase of a trumpet, and $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors. Huck cited survey data showing that 95 percent of teachers and counselors observed increased student confidence due to these programs.

As part of Superintendent Josh Brooks’ report, it was announced that February enrollment was 297.69 FTE (Full Time Equivalent). Also during the report, it was announced new placards for the gym are ready for pickup, and architects are working on designs for a new weight room. The board is also exploring replacing scoreboards and shot clocks, as repairs to the existing 2008 equipment would cost $10,000. During the report, concerns were raised regarding “low kindergarten enrollment for the next year.”

During his report, Principal Justin Laine highlighted achievements in chess, the state-qualified Knowledge Team, and the "REACH" after-school program, which focuses on academic support and enrichment activities like geography and choir. Athletics updates included eight wrestlers qualifying for state and “strong performances by the basketball teams,” including two players joining the 1,000-point club.

During public comment, Adam Rose, via Zoom, “expressed concerns regarding student conduct and focus during girls' basketball practices." The board then approved the consent agenda and entered a 30-minute executive session to evaluate staff qualifications.

Following the executive session, the board approved the resignation of member Natasha Crater and thanked her for her work during the superintendent search. The board also approved the non-renewal of Marie Green as the head girls' basketball coach. Several policies were approved, including updates to Policy 2022 (Electronic Resources and Internet Safety) to include AI guidelines, and Policy 1400, which moves future board meetings to a 6 p.m. start time.

During the new business portion of the meeting, the board approved the 2023-2025 CTE four-year planning documents and a purchase agreement with West Coast Mechanical Solutions for geothermal repairs. Finally, the board authorized the closeout of the PAC tech construction contract for the STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grant.