Waitsburg School Board Update

WAITSBURG— The Waitsburg School Board met April 16, via Zoom video conference. Superintendent Mark Pickel, board members Ross Hamann, Pam Chapman, Sarah Bodrieau, Lisa Morrow and Christy House were present. Seven other staff and community members were present.

During the secondary report, board members reported that they are hearing lots of positive feedback from parents and students about the online learning programs that teachers have implemented. 

Christy House asked for clarification on the participation points that teachers are currently using in lieu of grades. Superintendent Pickel explained that the participation points were decided upon in order to do-no-harm to any student’s education. He said he has been taking guidance from Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and that OSPI Superintendent Reykda is adamant to not fail students during this trying time. Superintendent Pickel said concerns about college applications, scholarships, and other higher education concerns for high school students are currently being evaluated. 

Maintenance and facilities reported that they are currently working on spring maintenance work. Colter Mohney said that they have completely disinfected the school at least once, and that they are disinfecting the facilities as teachers and staff leave. He noted that there is a problem with one of the boilers, and that they are looking into it. He also reported that Mike Dill was included in the bus inspection process this year.

During the elementary report review, board member Lisa Morrow said she really appreciated the online meetings teachers are having with students. Teachers are able to speak with students to help with school work, and Morrow said she felt that little bit of interaction is very beneficial to the students.

During the Superintendent’s report, Superintendent Pickel said that he had been in contact with Scott Underwood, owner/operator of NexGen, and the district has decided to work with NexGen for technology needs. NexGen is a Walla Walla based technology company who came highly recommended by both Prescott and Dayton school districts.

Superintendent Pickel said the school district will be checking out Chromebooks on April 27th for students who do not have access to a computer at home. The school district has already been working with NexGen to provide internet access for a small number of students who had no internet access at home. The school is working hard to ensure that every student has access to the learning materials they need.

Superintendent Pickel reported that he has been actively working with the senior students to get a graduation plan. Currently, the plan includes honoring graduates with custom banners displayed on Waitsburg’s Main Street as well as a Senior Parade through town. The plan is still being worked on allowing the students to take the lead.

The board voted to approve the 2020-2021 school calendar. The board selected a calendar that is very similar to the 2019-2020 calendar, with snow days scheduled in March. 

At the March meeting, a public hearing was held to discuss leftover bond money. Superintendent Pickel, on behalf of the district, informed the board that the high school building was in need of a new roof. Hearing no other suggestions, the board voted to approve using the bond money to replace the roof at Waitsburg High School.

The Waitsburg School Board meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. The board will continue to meet via virtual conference until further notice. Agendas and call in information can be found at http://www.waitsburgsd.org.