Waitsburg School Board discuss levy, grant and attendence

WAITSBURG— All members were present at a meeting of the Waitsburg School Board on Wednesday, November 15.

Secondary Principal Joe Wirtzberger reported that he was pleased with the district’s overall full-time enrollment attendance rates. However, the high school’s junior class is currently under expectations, with half of that class under a 90% attendance rate. He said that the administration will continue to look at ways of improving that statistic.

Wirtzberger reported that the Preston Hall Haunted House event was a success.

ASB President and Student Representative Blake French said that this year, “the culture of school is way better than last year.” He gave Principal Wirtzberger credit for helping improve the school’s atmosphere. Commenting on the dissolution of the sports combine with Dayton, French said, “We’ve become a stronger school since the combine ended.”

Superintendent and Elementary Principal David Woods said the administration is reviewing a new English Language Acquisition curriculum. He shared that the “discipline referral rate” at Waitsburg schools has been very low this year, with no major issues arising.

A Healthy Kids Grant for facilities upgrades has been awarded to the district. Woods reported the funds will be used to complete fencing of the Elementary/Preston Hall campus on the north, west, and south sides. This will prevent young students from being able to run off campus during recess times. Also being considered is a climbing wall for the playground area.

Woods reported that the district budget is in good shape. He outlined steps to be taken in preparation for next year’s replacement levy submittal.

The district is seeking applications from residents interested in being appointed to a committee to write the for/against statements for the Walla Walla and Columbia County Local Voters’ Pamphlets related to the district’s ballot measure for the Replacement Educational Programs and Operation Levy to be considered on February 13, 2024. This will be a replacement levy, which is legislatively capped at 2.5% of voter property values.

Winter Cardinal sports are underway. The board approved hiring Lash LaRue as the new middle school wrestling coach. He will be assisted by coaches of Waitsburg’s MatBirds. According to Athletic Director Wirtzberger, seven students have signed up for wrestling.

The board also approved hiring Chris Andrews as assistant coach for the middle school boys’ basketball team. The team’s head coach is Gabe Kiefel.

During the public comment, board member Stephanie Cole said she would like the board to consider ways to encourage community attendance at meetings “and not just when there’s a problem people might not have known about because they hadn’t been at a previous meeting.”

The board approved closing district offices from December 18 to January 1 for winter break. The board’s next meeting will be Thursday, December 7.