District Approves More than $75,000 in Community Donations to Schools

It's not unusual for the greater Plateau community to contribute donations of money and time to local schools, but as Enumclaw School Board reviewed this month's list of donations -- as part of a consent agenda for approval -- during its Monday night meeting, board member Corey Cassell marveled, "this is over $75,000" in donations.

The individual donations are as follows:

• $720 from Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation to Chris Couch, District Nurse, to be used for CPR Training Equipment
• $1,700 from Kibler PTA to Kibler to be used for a swim program, Nystrom desk atlas, and National Geographic Science Reader
• $500 from Boeing (matching gift for Corey Cassell's volunteer time) to the EHS Robotics Club
• $5,000 estimated value of services donated to the district from E.L.M. Industries for the processing of 500 cubic yards od landscape debris
• $60,250 from the Muckleshoot Tribe to the district for Indian Education ($50,000) and a PowWow Grant ($10,250)
• $2,387 from Stephen and LoriMay Hill to the EMS Choir to purchase choir gowns
• $5,000 from the Alicea Family to Sunrise to be used to create an outdoor learning environment

Board President Chris VanHoof acknowledged the generous contributions from these present and past donors, while Cassell and board member Nancy Merrill lamented that because the school board meetings are no longer filmed and televised on ECTV, these donors don't get the thanks and recognition they deserve for their generosity.

Board Approvals

The Board, in a second reading, approved changes to three policies related to graduation requirements (2410), district attendance area transfers (3131) and contractor assurances (6950). The change to policy 3131, according to the minutes from the Board's Jan. 17 meeting, was described as a language change that would allow principals to have a conversation with a family if their child desired mid-year to transfer from one school to another, what the best plan was for that child. Prior to this, students typically were only able to transfer at the beginning of the academic year.

The Board also passed two resolutions, one that cancelled any outstanding checks the district had written in the past year but that the recipients had never cashed. District business and operations manager Tim Madden said the balance of these checks hovered around $40. Board member April Schroeder asked if the District would have to pay fees for the cancellation and Madden wasn't sure, but the cancellation was required by law.

The second resolution allowed for Madden, representing the district, to proceed with renewing a lease of the building in Black Diamond that currently houses the U.S. Postal Service. While previously the district has maintained a five-year lease, it will proceed with the renewed lease on a year-to-year basis, pending what occurs with development in Black Diamond.

In Other News:

Parade of Champions: There will be a parade down Cole Street on Monday, March 5 at 4 p.m. to celebrate not one, not two, but three EHS teams who've recently captured state titles: the boys wrestling team, girls gymnastics and girls wrestling. (Read the district website for more information)

Young Artists: Several EHS students were recognized at the 2012 Regional High School Art Show, reported student representative Conner Wells, who himself was named a regional winner and will advance to the 39th Annual State High School Art Show in Olympia for his work 'Ragtime Hens.' (Read the district website for more information)

Last Day of School? Per Gov. Chris Gregoire's declaration of emergency on Jan. 18 due to the snow and ice storms, the district is seeking to waive Jan. 19 and Jan. 20 of student time, Superintendent Mike Nelson reported. It is unclear yet whether that will be approved, which puts the last day of school this year as either June 19 or June 21. 

Tree Removal: Madden reported that following those storms, many trees, particularly on the Kibler and Southwood campuses were damaged. After consulting with three arborists, the district has decided to remove all but four trees at Southwood -- and those four stand farther away from campus buildings, he said. Replacement work will likely happen during spring break.

Teacher Award: Nelson recognized EHS teacher Steve Murphy who was recently named a finalist in the selection of Washington State Civic Educator of the year. (Read the district website for more information)

Staff Appreciation: As part of a Classified Staff Appreciation Proclamation, Nelson also presented district help desk/webmaster Kristin Millard with a certificate and gift of appreciation.