Aberdeen Schools
Helping you stay informed about our district.
Aberdeen School District No. 5 -- January 2020
Congratulations, Bobcats!
Bobcat Football recognized for outstanding sportsmanship
Pictured above, from left, Coach Todd Bridge and seniors Payton Woodland and Joshua Fritts.
News from the School Board meeting on Jan. 7
President Sandra Bielski convened the regular meeting of the Aberdeen School District Board of Directors at 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2020, in the multi-purpose room at Stevens Elementary School. Directors present were Jennifer Durney, Bill Dyer, Jessica Jurasin and Suzy Ritter, along with student representative Molly Scroggs, Superintendent Alicia Henderson and 58 patrons, staff and students.
The meeting began with the Flag salute.
Minutes, Bills, Trips & Gifts
The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included:
- The minutes of the regular meeting on December 10, 2019;
- Correspondence from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) confirming the district’s request for advance apportionment to maintain a reserve balance, and
- Received certificates for directors Sandra Bielski, Jessica Jurasin and Suzy Ritter showing completion of open government training.
Comments from Board members
- Director Bill Dyer commented that he was able to attend a LGBTQ meeting where concerns raised during a demonstration by the Gay Student Alliance at Aberdeen High School were discussed. Director Dyer said he looks forward to the continued discussion with students.
- Director Dyer shared information about the upcoming, 4th Annual Grays Harbor College Jazz Festival on Jan. 16. Eight area high schools and middle schools are expected to participate. The Aberdeen High School and Miller Junior High School jazz bands perform in the afternoon.
Presentation from Stevens School
Students in Mr. Erik Peterson's elementary music class, pictured above, performed for the board.
Stevens Principal Arnie Lewis presented a slide show illustrating the positive educational environment at Stevens. The slideshow also included photos that illustrate the age of the building and a reminder that there is a measure going before voters to build a new Stevens Elementary School.
Policy 3241 Student Discipline
The board adopted revisions to Policy 3241 Student Discipline. Superintendent Henderson said the procedures to implement the new requirements are being finalized.
Policy 3115 Students Experiencing Homelessness
The board adopted an update to Policy 3115 Students Experiencing Homelessness and reviewed the accompanying procedures.
New Novel
The board approved a new novel as recommended by the Instructional Materials Committee. A Loss for Words, the Story of Deafness in a Family by Lou Ann Walker and published by Harper & Row will be used in American Sign Language classes at Aberdeen High School.
Superintendent's Report
- Annual Audit: Superintendent Henderson reported that the annual audit is well under way and invited board members to participate in the Entrance Conference on Thursday, January 9.
- Bond and Levy Update: Superintendent Henderson thanked Principal Lewis for the presentation and slide show on the need for a new school. She noted ballots are due on Feb. 11, that information about the bond proposal and renewal of the Enrichment Levy are included in the winter newsletter that should reach mailboxes soon. Anyone with questions about either proposal is invited to call the superintendent at (360) 538-2002.
- Legislative Update: Superintendent Henderson shared information about the two bills sponsored by local lawmakers – House Bill 2237 and Senate Bill 6075 -- intended to increase local levy assistance as a way to more equitably fund property poor districts such as Aberdeen. She thanked Representatives Brian Blake and Jim Walsh, and Senator Dean Takko for sponsoring the legislation.
- Title IX Compliance: Superintendent Henderson updated the board on steps the district is taking to ensure compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws in follow-up to a student demonstration by the Gay Straight Alliance at Aberdeen High School. She said the district is investigating the students’ concerns and the final report will include recommendations for implementation of best practices.
- Staffing Update: Superintendent Henderson reported that work has begun on the 2020-2021 budget and part of the planning includes staffing. Letters have been sent to employees asking them to indicate whether they intend to return next year. So far, one teacher has submitted a retirement letter. She noted that Principal Arnie Lewis announced before winter break that he is not returning in 2020-21 and on Monday, AHS Principal Sherri Northington informed her staff that she will be assigned to another position in the district.
Superintendent Henderson said she hopes to have both positions filled this spring and will hold parent meetings as part of the input process. Stevens School parents are invited to a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 27, and AHS parents are invited to a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 29.
- Drug Free Schools: Superintendent Henderson discussed partnerships in the community that have agencies working together to support healthy choices by students and enforce of a drug-free environment at school. There will be an education emphasis in February at Miller Junior High School on making healthy decisions as part of the science curriculum, and trainings to support high school students should be in place at Aberdeen High School in March. In addition, she reported the district is looking to bring in a canine unit at the high school to support the process.
Policy 4130 Parental Involvement
The board accepted for first reading a proposed update to a Title 1 policy, 4130 Parental Involvement.
New Special Education Bus
The board approved the purchase of a new special needs bus from Northwest Bus Sales of Federal Way in the amount of $70,883.19.
Clinical Agreement
The board approved an agreement with Grays Harbor Health and Rehabilitation for the Professional Medical Careers program at the Skills Center to conduct clinical experiences at the center.
Beyond Survival Agreement
The board approved an agreement with Beyond Survival to have its staff work with freshmen girls at Aberdeen High School through GearUp in support of making healthy, positive, personal decisions.
Surplus Library Books
The board declared surplus a list of books from Miller Junior High School, as presented.
Personnel Matters
The board approved the Personnel Report.
Next meeting is Tuesday, January 21
When the weather outside is, well, you know ...
Cold weather is upon us, and you can be among the first to know whether school is delayed or cancelled by signing up for FlashAlert. By signing up, you will receive the same official message via text or email that goes out to the radio and television stations.
Visit flashalert.net and follow the prompts. This application needs to be renewed every year.
The district also sends out a "robo call" to school families after 6 a.m. and posts information on the web site. However, FlashAlert is the only proven reliable method for emergency closure notices and we highly recommend that our school community create an account.
Bond for new Stevens School set for February ballot
Dear Aberdeen Community,
In this article, I hope to share the process our district used leading up to the School Board’s decision to place a bond issue for a new Stevens Elementary School on the February 11, 2020, ballot.
The Promise
In the 1990s, with voter approval, our district embarked on an ambitious plan that called for modernizing or rebuilding five of our grade schools before tackling the looming need for a new high school. By 2002, three of the grade schools – A.J. West, Central Park and McDermoth – had undergone modernization and the new Robert Gray Elementary School was opened. Stevens School was next.
That same year, fire destroyed the Weatherwax Building. Obviously, the high school was now the top priority and Stevens School was put on the back burner.
Fast-forward to 2020: The high school bonds are almost paid off. It’s time to keep the promise and give our students in South Aberdeen a new school.
The Tax Rate
Not surprisingly, the cost to build a new elementary school has gone up since we passed our last bond issue. We have worked closely with bond counsel to create a flat payment schedule.
The plan calls for interest-only payments until 2024 when J.M. Weatherwax High School is paid off, at which time the $3.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value will be applied to the new Stevens School. The total combined tax rate for schools is illustrated in the chart below this article.
Stevens opened in 1954 when Lyndon Johnson was president. It was updated in the 1970s. Stevens has far exceeded its useful life. The facilities study concluded it will be more cost effective and result in a safer structure for students if we replace it. It’s thanks to our amazing maintenance team that we are still able to use the building. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented maintenance team that extends the life of our facilities.
The Site
Work began almost two years ago to prepare for the school’s replacement. A task force of staff, parents and community members investigated several sites before concluding that the current site is the most practical, affordable location.
Tsunami and earthquake preparedness will be part of the design. The district will receive FEMA funds for an evacuation tower that could serve both Stevens and Miller Junior High, and the design will factor in the soil conditions. In addition, the City of Aberdeen and our district are working together so the new school can be built adjacent to the current school, and students can remain in the current school during construction.
There is still much work to do. Your questions are welcome and your attendance at meetings is encouraged. Please don’t hesitate to call me with any questions or concerns you may have. And don’t forget to vote on February 11!
Sincerely,
Alicia Henderson, Superintendent
Music Booster Auction is February 1
Admission is free. You can buy dinner at the Taco-Nacho-Baked Potato Bar for $10 (or $30 for a family of 4). Desserts and beverages available for $1. We hope to see you there!