Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cascade school board, administration honors retirees

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The June 10 Cascade School Board meeting was all smiles and laughter as the district honored several retiring employees, including departing Superintendent Bill Motsenbocker.

Board member Brenda Biebesheimer presented Motsenbocker with a plaque and thanked him for his years of service to the Cascade School District.

"We're happy for you, but we're sad to see you go," Biebesheimer said. "It's going to be hard not having you here."

After receiving his plaque, Motsenbocker recognized the retiring staff, the first being bus driver Rick Blackburn. He commended the relationships Blackburn built with the students on his routes over the years. Transportation Director Tim Bentz also honored Blackburn, and noted the bus driver was special education teacher for many years.

Fellow bus drivers Ed Arness and Curt Haire are also retiring but did not attend the board meeting. Bentz said the two drivers would receive their plaques at a later date.

Motsenbocker also acknowledged retiring nurse Joan Zega, who among many things, was instrumental in the district hiring a second nurse.

"Joan's skills will never be replaced," Motsenbocker added.

The third retiree honored was high school English-Language Arts teacher Margy Hesse. Motsenbocker commended her commitment to her role as a teacher, such as reading her students' writing and providing them feedback.

In action items, the board approved the resignation of CHS Librarian Nancy Chapman. Motsenbocker said Chapman moved to Olympia to be closer with her family.

The board also approved the hiring of Alexandra Rosenfield as the ELA for the high school. Motsenbocker said Rosenfield previously taught at Wenatchee High School.

In the board monitoring portion of the meeting, Home Link Coordinator/Certified Teacher MaryLou Bailey shared information about the district's Home Link program.

Bailey said Home Link served 45 students and 26 families during 2018-19, an increase from last year.

During the school year, Home Link has also worked closely with Alpine Lakes Elementary School. Bailey reported one case where a student fell behind. Every week the student came to school and catch up on their work. When Bailey last checked, the student was ready to return to public school. She added that families are already coming in to register for the next school year.

Two factors that have been a help to Home Link this year, according to Bailey, is having Jen Barber as a paraprofessional teacher and Terry Muscutt as a volunteer principal.

Bailey is also looking at potentially switching reporting model for some students.

Students who report consistently for 4-6 weeks and complete their work, they could switch to a monthly reporting process.

If there is a situation where students is missing time, or a family leaves for vacation for a month, they would switch back to weekly reporting.

When Bailey said she was not sure about the process for potential changes for the Help Link handbook, Motsenbocker said incoming superintendent Dr. Tracey Beckendorf-Edou would handle those questions and changes. She would then present the proposed changes to the school board.

Motsenbocker added that Beckendorf-Edou could has volunteer to serve as the Home Links principal if Muscutt is unable to continue.

In policy reviews, the board held the first reading of Policy 2331 "Controversial Issues/Guest Speakers."

Motsenbocker explained if a teacher and principal deem a guest speaker's topic is controversial, they will develop a plan to present the subject in an unbiased and balanced manner.

Another addition is that the teacher will seek administrative approval one week prior to the speaker's presentation.

The board also held the first reading of Policy 4020 "Confidential Communications."

Motsenbocker explained that if the district officials determine there is a specific health or safety threat to a student or individual, then the school can disclose sensitive information to the appropriate parties. 

He noted the policy addition stems from 1-2 cases in Washington state where law enforcement wanted information and the school would not divulge it. This led to a child's safety being compromised because authorities could not communicate with the student's family in a quick manner.

"We just have to be real cautious about how we present that information, and we have to make sure there is a concern for the health and safety before we release it," Motsenbocker said. 

In other action items, the board approved changes to Cascade High School's Associated Student Body constitution, specifically in terms of ASB elections.

The first change is that any public speaking in front of a student body must be respectful toward student, staff and clubs.

Another change is both ASB President and ASB Vice President candidates must pass a parliamentary procedure examination with 85 percent proficiency before becoming eligible for the position.

Students running for treasurer must pass a Math assessment with an 85 percent proficiency rate to become eligible.

Motsenbocker noted this exam would pertain to math the treasurer would use in their role. All officers must pass a proficiency test in taking ASB minutes.
A final change is that all candidates must have their speeches pre-approved by adviser or an administrator.

In other business:

  • The board approved the surplus of two district buses.
  • They also approved the second readings of Policy 1420 "Proposed Agenda and Consent Agenda), Policy 1000 "Legal Status and Operation," Policy and Procedure 1114 "Board Member Resignation and Vacancy," Policy and Procedure 1620 "The Board-Superintendent Relationship" and Policy 1810 "Annual Governance Goals and Objectives."
cascade school district, school board

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