Waitsburg School Board Update

Secondary Principal’s Report: District completed a two-day engagement review and the district will remain accredited. The committee was very complimentary of the district and community. An official report will be presented at the December school board meeting. Veteran’s Day program and LEOs/Lions food drives were scheduled for Nov. The juniors completed ASVAB testing. Preston Hall ASB hosted a “black-out.” The ASB is planning to move away from dances in favor of more activity-based events. Preston Hall completed all conferences, and the high school was to follow.

Athletic Director’s Report: There was mediocre attendance at the winter sports information night, but there was a pretty good turn-out for sign-ups. Fall sports award nights were scheduled. The district is looking for an assistant boys basketball coach. Danielle Carpenter has agreed to be assistant coach for the girls. Roy Ramirez is head coach for boys and girls basketball.

Facilities/Maintenance/Transportation Report: The new bus should arrive earlier than expected. Design West has submitted detailed specifications for capital improvement projects. A representative has been asked to attend the Dec. 13 board meeting for a 6 p.m. work session. Bids are slated to go out the end of January or first of February.

Elementary Principal’s Report: Kathy Schirm has been supervising a before-school tutoring/homework time in the library. As a state priority school, Waitsburg elementary has three people working with students, from both the state and ESD. Kathy Hayden is the priority schools coach. Lynn Seamons assists with writing and Sarah Reser assist with individual student plans and assessment. A representative from Journeys Professional Development (language arts curriculum) has been working with staff. Waitsburg Elementary School was recognized as a School of Distinction for improved test scores.

Superintendent’s Report: Superintendent Mishra, Christy House, Marilyn Johnson and Ross Hamann will attend the WSSDA conference in Bellevue on Nov. 16. An update will be provided at the December school board meeting. A teacher’s in-service on Oct. 27 focused on trauma-informed care. Some students have already signed up for online learning and the district is continuing to pursue partnership with WWCC and CWU for college credit classes.

Old Business:

-Enrollment Update: Total head count is 287 with a full-time equivalent (FTE) of 273.09. The year began with a head count of 286 and an FTE of 271.08.

-The board discussed enrichment levy (formerly m&o levy) planning. A resolution must be reached by Dec. 15. See story at right.

-The board discussed the school mission statement, vision, goals and values.

-Supt. Mishra and Ross Hamann gave an update on the 2018-19 Dayton-Waitsburg athletic combine, saying all was proceeding well and a public meeting was schedule in Dayton.

-Approved a collective bargaining agreement for classified agreement and memorandum of understanding regarding health care authority subsidies.

-Approved early retirement notification bonus. Any certificated employees who notify the district by 4 p.m., the day before winter break, that they will not return the next school year, will receive a one-time $1,500 payment in their January paycheck. After Jan. 1, each certificated employee who gives such notice by 4 p.m. on the Friday before President’s Day will receive a one-time $750 payment in their March paycheck. This is a non-precedent setting, non-continuing action.

New Business:

-Approved closure of the district office from Dec. 25 – Jan. 5 for winter break.

-Approved resignation of bus driver Brenda Baker.

-The board discussed chapter 2 in Leading with Focus.

-Executive session to consider the minimum price at which real estate will be offered for sale or lease.