School Board Meeting Includes News about Two Received Grants

The attendance for the school board meeting on December 14 included nine high school seniors. The seniors introduced themselves and shared how long they’d been with the district and their hopes for post-graduation, which included university, vocational training and the army. Attending public meetings is part of the requirement for the class, Citizen Washington in a Contemporary World, which all seniors take.

The list of action items on the agenda was light, but included the approval of the hire of Cynthia Reyes as Migrant Recruiter. This is a part-time position that P.D. principal Emily Ross described as, “incredibly important.” Ross explained further, “Each district receives funding for migrant students, which is above and beyond the money we receive to educate gen ed students, as migrant families need more support to help educational continuity.”

Reyes, in this role as migrant recruiter, will work up to about ten hours a week. “A recruiter needs to be compassionate, smart and kind, and the best recruiter will help families feel comfortable, at ease, and help give them a voice in the school district. I believe Cynthia will be able to do this,” said Ross.

During policy review, the school board did a first reading of policy 6625, Private Vehicle Transportation. Superintendent Tracey Beckendorf-Edou explained this update clarifies when it’s appropriate to use a private vehicle to transport students, rather than transport by school bus, for a school function. One current example would be if one student, for medical reasons, couldn’t wear a mask, then that student could be transported separately by a parent.

Beckendorf-Edou announced that the Cascade High School Career Technology Education (CTE) building was finally complete. “It has an improved metal shop and wood shop. Also, there’s now the ability for the teacher to move seamlessly between the classroom and the shop,” Beckendorf-Edou said. A ribbon-cutting is being planned for when COVID safety protocols allow.

The school district, partnering with Cascade Medical, won a Community Health Initiative grant for $6700 for suicide prevention education at the high school and middle school. This collaboration will enable key staff to be trained to lead workshops for staff, students and parents to recognize and respond to those who are contemplating suicide, and help establish clearly defined avenues of support for students in need. This grant came from the North Central Accountable Community of Health.

The district also won a grant from the School Superintendents Association for $2500. These funds will cover the rest of the needed hotspots for students who have various issues with internet connectivity. The students will now be able to get on the internet with ease for educational purposes.