Aberdeen Schools
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Aberdeen School District No. 5 -- September 20, 2019
Karen Meikle loved music, her students and her community
Karen Meikle, our orchestra director in the Aberdeen School District since 2007, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2019. She had been diagnosed with cancer this past June.
“Karen was one of the most positive people I’ve ever known and a beloved member of our school community,” Superintendent Alicia Henderson said. “In addition to sharing the gift of music with our students, she had a true love for young people and made a difference in the lives of our students.”
We've shared more about Miss Meikle's remarkable career and her contributions to our district on the website. The information we put together is also shared below in a PDF.
Miller Modular for 6th Grade proceeding at a good pace
Things are moving along at the modular this week as the contractor, Modern Building Systems, continues with the siding and the roof structure. On Friday, the crew began work on putting the roofing down and continued siding work on the outside of the building.
On the inside of the building, a crew from Emerald Fire started installing the sprinkler system tie-in to the attic and in the classrooms and MB Electric was working on the fire alarm system and getting prepped for power to the building, while the district’s Technology Department installed about half the network cables and the Maintenance Department has been working on security wiring, door locks and placing teacher cabinets.
Everyone is looking forward to next week when Rognlin’s will be back doing sidewalk prep and all the work described above will continue. The crew from the Maintenance Department, which provides the photos and information for these updates, wishes everyone a great weekend!
You can find more pictures on the district web site where we update progress weekly.
Business before the Board on Sept. 17:
Agenda for 2019-09-17 (pdf)
President Sandra Bielski convened the regular meeting of the Aberdeen School District Board of Directors at 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2019, in the Community Room at Aberdeen High School. Directors present were Jennifer Durney, Bill Dyer and Erin Farrer, along with Superintendent Alicia Henderson and 24 patrons and staff. The meeting began with the Flag salute.
Minutes, Bills, Trips & Gifts
The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included:
- The minutes of the meeting on September 3, 2019;
- Payroll for August in the amount of $3,951203.33, and
- Permission for Miller Junior High School sixth-graders and Aberdeen High School student counselors to participate in Outdoor School at Camp Bishop on October 6-11.
Introduction of Student Representatives
Madi Niemi and Molly Scroggs, seniors at Aberdeen High School, were introduced as this year’s student representative to the Board of Directors.
Madi Niemi provided the student report. She noted the girls’ swim team has already qualified five swimmers for state – Annika Eisele, Anna Weber, Melissa May, Annetthe Orona and Aliyah Tageant.
Comments from the Audience
Michelle Reed, president of the Aberdeen Education Association, asked about the funding in the proposed contract for two school psychologists. President Bielski said the superintendent will provide the information.
Superintendent’s Report
Enrollment:
Superintendent Henderson provided information on the first official enrollment count of the year, which took place on September 6. The district has started the year with 24 fewer student FTEs (full-time equivalents) than budgeted. But she noted that funding is based on the average enrollment over the course of the year and it is typical for enrollment to grow in October as certain programs come online. For example, she noted that Running Start doesn’t isn’t factored into the count until October.
In other enrollment news, she also reported that enrollment in the Twin Harbors Skills Center is at 53 students, an increase of 17 over this time last year. The Skills Center serves students throughout the region and offers several programs where students can graduate with industry certification and advanced placement in post-secondary training.
WSSDA Regional Meeting:
The Board discussed plans for three members to attend the Washington State School Directors’ Regional Meeting on October 29 in Rochester.
Stevens Bond Update:
Superintendent Henderson reported that the Stevens School Task Force has reconvened as an advisory group as plans move forward to place a bond measure before voters in February. A meeting on September 5 included an update from the Construction Services Group that is assisting the district in preparing for construction. Dr. Henderson also noted that a citizens’ campaign committee has convened with Kris Koski as chairman and that work is under way to launch a web site.
2020 Levy Update:
Superintendent Henderson reported that the citizens’ committee will be working on both the bond and the levy for the February ballot. The district’s current levy expires in 2020 and the district will soon be submitting documents to the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction detailing renewal of the current levy for four years. She said the intent is to provide voters certainty about their future levy rate during a time when the district is also requesting authority to build a new school.
Miller Modular for 6th Grade:
Superintendent Henderson reported that the foundation is complete and the modular sections have been installed for the new building for 6th Grade at Miller Junior High School. Work on the plumbing, electrical and technology is now taking place. She has toured the interior and said it surpasses expectations and will be a “glorious place for students.”
Budget Advisory Committee:
The Budget Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, September 25. Superintendent Henderson said she will bring them up to date on the budget, projections for future years and discuss the bond and the levy proposals.
Legislative Advocacy:
Superintendent Henderson said she met with several area superintendents representing Grays Harbor and Pacific counties and there is a shared desire to speak with a strong voice and ensure area lawmakers are well informed on the funding challenges unique to rural school districts.
Basic Education Compliance
The Board approved the Basic Education Compliance Report confirming for the State Board of Education that the district meets the requirements of providing a basic education.
Agreement with Quinault Indian Nation
The Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Quinault Indian Nation’s Education Department that allows a para-educator funded by the Nation to work directly with Quinault-eligible students attending Aberdeen schools.
Detention Center Agreement
The Board approved the annual agreement with the Grays Harbor County Detention Center that defines the roles and responsibilities for the operation of the instructional program at the Juvenile Detention Center.
Highly Capable Plan
Following a presentation by Principal Bryan McKinney the board approved the Highly Capable Plan for 2019-2020.
Century 21 After School Program Consultant
The board approved an agreement with Mary Margaret Doherty to assist the Century 21 Program with data analysis and reporting compliance. CTE Director Lynn Green explained that hiring a qualified consultant is a condition of the grant.
Gravity Consortium
The board approved renewal of the consortium with area school districts and the Capital Region ESD 113 for operation of the Gravity GED program.
Student Teaching agreement with GHC
The board approved renewal of the agreement with Grays Harbor College regarding the student teaching experience for students in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) program at the college.
GEAR UP Grant
The board approved the contract with the Washington Student Achievement Council regarding the GEAR UP grant for 2019-2020. Students entering 9th Grade at Aberdeen High School will receive focused support toward graduating from high school and planning for post-secondary options.
Psychologist Contract
The board approved a contract with Child Assessment Center, LLC, for Roger Heinrich and Carole Corgiat to provide school psychology services in 2019-2020. Both have worked in the district prior to retirement and have agreed to assist on a part-time basis due to the extreme shortage of school psychologists.
Personnel Matters
The board approved the Personnel Report.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting is set for Tuesday, October 1, 2019, in the Community Room at Aberdeen High School.
Safety improvements planned near A.J. West Elementary
The City of Aberdeen announced recently that it has been awarded a grant through the state Department of Transportation’s City Safety Program for road and sidewalk improvements in West Aberdeen.
The project includes new crosswalks and ADA curb ramps for the disabled adjacent to A.J. West Elementary School and new stop bars at residential intersections in most of West Aberdeen.
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Aberdeen School District No. 5
Email: districtnews@asd5.org
Website: www.asd5.org
Location: 216 North G St.
Phone: (360) 538-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AberdeenSchoolDistrict5/