Waitsburg Schools Define Priorities

WAITSBURG – The Waitsburg School Board defined district priorities for the 2016-2018 school year in a work session prior to the board’s Dec. 14 regular meeting.

Replacement of retiring district superintendent Carol Clarke and guidance with implementation of the capital projects funded by the $3.8 million capital improvements bond, approved in November, topped the list of priorities.

Superintendent’s Search

Topping the list of priorities was the “completion of a successful superintendent search by the end of March 2017.” The new superintendent will replace Dr. Carol Clarke, who has held the position since 2004.

During the board meeting following the work session, the board approved the hire of Bill Jordan, of Northwest Leadership Associates, as the lead consultant for the superintendent search. Jordan recently retired as Superintendent of Walla Walla Public Schools and is a former superintendent of the Prescott School district. The board felt his familiarity with Waitsburg and other local school districts makes him especially well-suited for guiding the board through the selection process.

Clarke had her first meeting with Jordan on Dec. 19 and said that staff, students, families and community members will be encouraged to participate in the selection process. Clarke said an online survey asking participants to identify the desired qualities and characteristics for the new superintendent will be available next week.

Focus groups will be set up for Wed., Jan. 4, for gathering more information from those with a vested interest in the district and timelines are being developed to lead to the selection of a new superintendent by the end of March, Clarke said.

Capital Projects

The board’s second priority is to “create an enhanced learning environment that meets current and future learner needs.” The board intends to hire an Architectural Services and a construction manager to guide the district through the process and implementation of its capital projects, with the anticipation that all projects will be completed by fall of 2018.

Projects funded by the recently approved bond measure include upgrading the HVAC system in all three schools, a complete renovation of the school kitchen, and construction of a field house at the athletic field.

During their regular meeting Dr. Clarke said everything is in line for the bond funds to be available in the district account by Dec. 29. Clarke has been working with Dax Logsdon, of ESD 112’s Construction Services Group, to develop a request for qualifications for architectural services. Logsdon would be able to assist with negotiating a contract with a construction management firm once the architect is selected.

The board agreed to advertise for RFQ statements in January and complete the selection process as quickly as possible. They hope to choose an architectural firm by the end of February. Board chair Ross Hamann said he would like to see the field house project completed over the summer, if possible.

Academic Growth

Several priorities remained largely unchanged, including the desire to “embrace learning growth throughout the Waitsburg school system.” The board will do this by continuing to provide multiple assessment tools and collaboration time to discuss students’ assessment data and how it will impact the instructional offerings of the district.

The board requested quarterly or biannual evidence that most students are showing academic growth. If the students do not show academic growth, the board wants to know what steps or strategies are being taken to ensure progression.

Expand Educational Experiences

Fourth on the priority list is to “expand educational experiences to early and adult learners.” To that end, the board will continue to provide support to the WWCC ECEAP Preschool so that no child will be required to pay in order to attend. The district will provide space, as well as administrative, custodial, and food service support.

The board will also work with staff to provide opportunities for parents and families to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to support their students’ education.

Professional Development

Finally, the board agreed to “improve educational practice to levels that have profound impact upon learning for both students and adults.” They will continue to support the professional development of staff that enables them to implement effective instructional practices. Specifically, they will support staff in review of the science program to enable them to have the most current instructional materials in order for students to meet the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).

The updated priorities list was unanimously approved by the board during the regular board meeting directly following the work session.