The idea of students learning and growing together in the classroom will take on a new meaning this fall thanks to a project to build a garden at every school this summer.

The project aims to incorporate garden science into the school curriculum, and student-grown produce into the school lunch program. And it’s been enthusiastically received by WSU’s Master Gardener program, the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and the Pacific Education Institute (PEI).

The idea was hatched during discussions this past spring about student health and wellness after a year of social distancing and grab-and-go, pre-packaged lunches, Superintendent Alicia Henderson explained.

Cultivating healthy, active learners

In addition to identifying learning gaps that opened during the pandemic, “We know the pandemic has been hard on our students in many ways,” she said. “We were talking about how can we get them outside, doing something healthy and active. One thing led to another. I’ve been amazed at the number of people who have come forward and want to participate. Every time we meet, it seems more people attend.”

Teams are at work

A team of students is working with the Maintenance Department this summer to build the gardens. A team of teachers will soon be working to align the current STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum at every grade level. Superintendent Henderson noted that the idea of gardening at school isn't entirely new to the district as the high school has a highly regarded horticulture program under science teacher Mike Machowek.

“The intent is for it to be seamless,” Superintendent Henderson said. “We want to incorporate the gardens into what we are already doing with instruction.”

Partnerships make it possible

The state Department of Agriculture’s Farm-to-School Program will help the district explore ways to bring locally grown food into the School Lunch program. “We spend a lot of money on food for our students,” Dr. Henderson said. “To the extent that we can, we would like to purchase from local or regional farms.”

“We are very excited for the return to a regular schedule this fall and the opportunity to fully focus on the education and health of our students," she concluded.

Budget Overview Comparison Chart (pdf)

Presentation to the Board (ppt)

President Sandra Bielski convened the special meeting of the Aberdeen School District Board of Directors at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021, via webinar following guidance for conducting remote meetings in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Directors present were Bill Dyer, Jennifer Durney, Jessica Jurasin and Suzy Ritter, along with Superintendent Alicia Henderson and five patrons and staff watching remotely.

The purpose of the meeting was for a presentation and public hearing on the 2021-2022 budget.

The meeting began with the Flag salute.

Budget Presentation

Executive Director of Business and Operations Elyssa Louderback provided an overview of the draft budget for 2021-2022.

She noted the district will see a significant influx of one-time federal funds and she outlined the focus of the funds – mental health services and support; social emotional learning support; addressing learning gaps; extended learning opportunities; technology upgrades and replacement, and facilities repairs and improvements.

Anticipated Revenue and Expenses:

The district is anticipating total revenue of $58,832,118 and total expenses of $59,098,497, with an ending General Fund balance of $3.2 million.

The district is projecting it will spend $41.5 million on salaries and benefits in 2021-2022 and $17.6 million on MSOCs (materials, supplies and operating costs).

Assumptions:

The budget is built using assumed enrollment of 3,000 FTE, which continues a trend of declining enrollment. Other assumptions include increased staffing to support student needs, increases in MSOCs to support ongoing COVID-related operational costs; and negotiated salary increases.

Capital Projects Fund:

Total expenditures are proposed at $1.4 million. The major project in 2021-2022 will be demolition of the failing section of bleachers at Stewart Field often called the “junior high section,” which will be replaced with new restrooms and a storage area for the various sports.

Debt Service Fund:

Total bonded debt payments are projected at $3.2 million.

ASB Fund:

Total expenditures are projected at $430,765, with an ending fund balance of $191,433. New requirements by the Legislature will draw the fund down from a beginning balance of $215,108.

Transportation Vehicle Fund:

Total expenditures are estimated at $200,000 which includes plans to purchase one new bus on the vehicle replacement schedule.

Director Louderback concluded her presentation by noting that the draft budget will continue to be fine-tuned and will be presented for adoption on July 13.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

President Bielski noted the meeting was legally advertised since June 15 and that public comment guidelines were made available using the emergency guidance for conducting webinar hearings in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

Next Meeting is July 13

The next meeting of the Board is a regular meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2021, to be conducted via webinar with notice and access provided under the emergency provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.

Adoption of the 2021-2022 budget will be on the agenda.

Agenda materials and a link to join the meeting are posted on the district website and calendar before the meeting, usually on the Friday before the meeting.

The Board welcomes public comment. Comment on agenda items is accepted until noon the day of the meeting. Submit comments to schoolboard@asd5.org. Additional guidance for submitting comment can be found on the website and is linked here.

Session II of the Extended Learning programs at Aberdeen High School and the Twin Harbors Skills Center begin soon:

• Extended Learning Session II for Grades 9-12 begins July 9.
• At the Skills Center, Extended Learning Session II begins July 6.

At the elementary schools and Miller Junior High School, the Extended Learning Program begins Tuesday, July 6.

Anyone interested in these learning opportunities is encouraged to contact the schools for more information. Meals and transportation are provided free of charge.

We hope all of our students are able to take advantage of the summer offerings.

The first day of the 2021-2022 school year is Wednesday, Sept. 1.

2021-2022 Calendar (pdf)

Extended Learning principals:

• Joan Hoehn, Kindergarten (incoming), jhoehn@asd5.org
• Jamie Stotler, Elementary, jstotler@asd5.org
• Aaron Roiko, Secondary, aroiko@asd5.org