Aberdeen Schools
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Aberdeen School District No. 5 -- November 7, 2019
AHS artist submits winning auto show poster
Joshua Farrar, a senior at Aberdeen High School, designed the winning poster for this year’s Seattle International Auto Show. His poster will be used throughout the Northwest to advertise this month’s upcoming show. Joshua was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Washington State Auto Dealers’ Association – as well as free tickets for the entire AHS art class and his family to attend the show.
Mr. Farrar’s artwork definitely creates an impression. Two years in a row, Joshua has advanced to the state art competition hosted by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. His work is in the permanent collection at OSPI.
Last year, Joshua placed in the Congressional Art Competition and traveled to Tacoma for the statewide reception where our area’s congressman, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, presented his award.
Molly Houk, his art teacher at AHS, also reports that Joshua achieved a 5 -- the highest possible score – on his Advanced Placement Studio Art Portfolio last year.
“Joshua Farrar is a wonderful student doing amazing work,” Mrs. Houk said.
Enrichment levy continues current programs; bond builds a new Stevens Elementary School
Following months of study, the Aberdeen School Board has unanimously decided to ask voters to approve two measures during the February 2020 special election:
- Renewal of the existing enrichment levy that pays for programs not funded by the state, and
- A bond issue to build a new Stevens Elementary School.
“These important investments are structured so that taxpayers will not see an increase above 2017 rates,” Superintendent Alicia Henderson said.
“Bonds are for building, levies are for learning,” Henderson added, citing a phrase often used to help differentiate between the two funding sources. “The enrichment levy is critical for day-to-day operations. And now, with the bonds for Aberdeen High School due to be paid off by 2024, it is time to keep the promise that Stevens School is next.”
Additional business before the Board on November 5:
2019-11-05 School Board Agenda (pdf)
President Sandra Bielski convened the regular meeting of the Aberdeen School District Board of Directors at 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the library at McDermoth Elementary School. Directors present were Jennifer Durney, Bill Dyer and Jeff Nelson, along with student representative Madi Niemi, Superintendent Alicia Henderson and 36 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 October 15, 2019;
- Approved trip requests for the following:
The Miller Prevention Group, sponsored by the Harbor Strong Coalition, to travel to a training in Yakima on November 4-6, and
The Jazz Ensemble at Miller Junior High School to travel to the jazz festival at Central Washington University in Ellensburg on May 15-16, 2020.
- Accepted gifts to the district from the following:
An employee gift from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories of Pullman, Wash., in the amount of $100 to be used to inspire learning in math and science,
Multiple donations to the AHS Orchestra in memory of Karen Meikle,
A 2000 Volkswagen Golf valued at $2,811 from Jeff Cook and Becky Walsh to be used in the automotive program at Aberdeen High School, and
Multiple donations from local business in support of a parent effort to provide food and refreshments for staff during conferences at Miller Junior High School.
Comments from Board members
- Director Jeff Nelson read a statement about his term on the Board of Directors. He said it has been a privilege to serve, that he is grateful for the opportunity to work with current and former board members and staff, and that seeing both the challenges to overcome and the passion for education throughout the district has given him a new appreciation for the job that is being done every day to educate of our children.
- Sandra Bielski, Bill Dyer and Jennifer Durney each thanked Jeff Nelson for his tenure on the board.
- President Bielski commented that the WSSDA Regional Meeting at Rochester was very informative.
Comments from Student Representative
Student Representative Madi Niemi gave the student representative’s report. She commented that the student body is busy with Foodball, that the senior nights for fall sports have been bittersweet, and that the football team is playing a three-way tiebreaker to determine who goes to the playoffs.
Read the Foodball 2019 Newsletter
McDermoth Presentation
Jack Ashley, ASB president at McDermoth Elementary School, welcomed the board of Directors to McDermoth Elementary School for the meeting and shared information about the school’s goals and activities.
AHS Trimester Update
Principal Sherri Northington presented information in answer to directors’ questions about Running Start, credit retrieval and discipline data that resulted from the presentation on the trimester system at the October 15 meeting. Superintendent Alicia Henderson announced that a master schedule task force is convening this month with representation from all AHS departments. A final report with recommendations will come to the board in the spring.
Superintendent's Report
Legislative Update: Superintendent Henderson discussed two efforts she’s involved with in advance of the 2020 legislative session – an effort to secure a capital appropriation to help offset the cost of a new Stevens Elementary School and working with area superintendents to keep lawmakers informed on issues important to coastal and rural school districts, especially levy equity.
Restorative Practices: Superintendent Henderson discussed the recent professional development on restorative practices, described as effective, research-based ways to support students before discipline results in classroom or school exclusion. The professional development was well received and she is working to bring the trainers back for the district professional development day in February.
Elementary School Improvement Plans
Following a presentation from elementary school principals, the board approved the Title I School Improvement Plans.
Agreement with the City of Aberdeen
The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Aberdeen stating that it’s the intent of both entities to enter into a “land swap” with city-owned property adjacent to Stevens School and district-owned property known as Garley Park.
Resolution 2019-13 Bond Resolution
The board unanimously adopted by roll call vote Resolution No. 2019-13 for the February 11, 2020, ballot requesting authority to sell bonds for the construction of a new Stevens Elementary School in the principal amount of no more than $46.8 million.
2019 Bond and Levy Collections
The board unanimously authorized the collection of levy funds in the amount of $21,324.78 and bond funds in the amount of $12,380.72 that were not collected in 2019.
Interdistrict Agreement with Montesano School District
The board approved an interdistrict agreement with the Montesano School District allowing Aberdeen students to enroll in Montesano’s fire science instruction program.
Transportation Co-operative
The board approved renewal of the Pupil Transportation Cooperative with the Hoquiam School District.
Agreement with Rainier Lanes
The board approved renewal of the agreement with Rainier Lanes to be the home lanes for the Aberdeen High School Bowling Team.
2019-2020 Propane Bid
The board awarded the 2019-2020 propane contract to the low bidder, Ferrell Gas.
Central Park Library Surplus
The board declared library materials at Central Park Elementary School that are no longer used due to age or condition surplus as presented.
Comments from the Audience
Kris Koski, chairman of Citizens for Aberdeen Schools, thanked the board for approving the resolution earlier in the meeting and announced that the committee, which is working in support of both the bond and enrichment levy proposals, will now activate the Stevens2020.org website.
Personnel Matters
The board approved the Personnel Report.
Next Meeting
The next regular meeting of the School Board is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, in the Community Room at Aberdeen High School.
Honoring those who served
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BurkeMobile is coming to Miller
The BurkeMobile from the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle will visit Miller Junior High School on December 5.
The 7th Grade Social Studies classes are scheduled to take part. Principal Lisa Griebel said teachers are very excited and grateful that Hailey Pfeifer, our district’s Indian education coordinator, was able to make the arrangements.
Stay tuned for more information as the date approaches.
Let your name go down in a history brick
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/