WALLA WALLA – Jerry Maher was named the Walla Walla Public Schools Career and Technical Education and SEATech Skills Center Director. Maher is currently the Assistant Principal of Career and College Readiness at Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie, WA. In his current position he serves as Career and Technical Education Director for Snoqualmie Valley School District. He also has 10 years of teaching experience.
“My wife and are elated to return home with our daughter and two Labrador Retrievers,” said Maher who graduated from Walla Walla High School in 2001. “Although we have resided in King County for over a decade, when asked where I am from, I have always found myself explaining that I grew up in Walla Walla.”
Maher received his Bachelor’s Degree from Washington State University, Master’s Degree from the University of Washington and Principal Certification from Central Washington University. He is a National Board Certified teacher.
“I am passionate about the relevant and engaging opportunities provided to students through Career and Technical Education, as they get a jump-start on their futures,” said Maher. “I graduated Walla Walla High School well prepared to pursue my post-secondary goals, as a result of attending great schools, and I look forward to supporting a vision to develop Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates!”
Maher begins his tenure in the district July 1. He replaces current CTE and SEATech Director Dennis Matson who has accepted a position with the Yakima School District.
###
WALLA WALLA – Local business owner Paul Schneidmiller received the 2018 Southeast Washington Association of School Administrators Community Leadership award June 14. Schneidmiller is a Walla Walla Public Schools Graduate of Distinction recipient, former Port of Walla Walla Commissioner and the chair of the district’s Community Facilities Task Force.
As chair of the Facilities Task Force, Schneidmiller led a nearly two-year process to develop a long-range facilities improvement plan. The 18-member group recently recommended a bond proposal for the November 6, 2018 election. The school board unanimously approved the recommendation thanks in a large part to the thorough process under his leadership.
Following his high school graduation in 1970, Schneidmiller attended the University of Washington, earning degrees in both zoology and education. He became office manager of World Wide Travel in 1979 before taking over as President/CEO in 1992. He served a 12-year term as Port of Walla Walla Commissioner, during which time the new airport terminal and Railex Produce Distribution Center were built. Schneidmiller is active in the Exchange Club of Walla Walla and has served as a Master Mason for more than 30 years.
“Walla Walla Public Schools is fortunate to have Paul Schneidmiller as one of its strongest supporters,” said Superintendent Wade Smith. “Paul’s leadership and involvement helps the district realize its vision of Developing Washington’s Most-Sought After Graduates.”
###
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1001835
WALLA WALLA - As the Independence Day Holiday nears, community members are reminded that fireworks are not allowed on school district grounds. Fireworks cause safety concerns, potentially damage property, and are a nuisance to our neighboring property owners. Thank you for helping protect district property and ensuring students have a safe and clean place to learn.
###
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1001835
WALLA WALLA - This school year 22 students from Garrison and Pioneer Middle Schools earned four high school credits by obtaining the Seal of Biliteracy. The distinctive Seal of Biliteracy award recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. These students will have the Biliteracy Seal displayed on their high school diplomas upon graduation.
This year the Bilingual Department decided to begin the Seal of Biliteracy recognition at the 8th-grade level to help motivate students to continue taking advanced level classes in high school so they can begin earning college credits.
"We know several 8th graders are already showing the highest levels of proficiency in their second language so we decided to acknowledge this huge accomplishment at the end of their middle school journey," said Dr. Victor Vergara, Director of Bilingual Education Programs. “Walla Walla Public Schools embraces diversity and encourages its students to become biliterate.”
Pioneer Middle School recipients:
Esmeralda Quezada, Rosa Ceja Lopez, Katye Perez, Bryan Osorio, Diego Martinez de Santiago, Mizraim Garcia, Consuelo Sarmiento, Roberto Rodriguez, Ana Pedroza Velazquez, Isabel Vergara Ramos, Genevieve Zanger.
Garrison Middle School recipients
Tiffani Carrillo-Villegas, Olivia Isenhower, Rosalinda Villagomez, Edward Vu, Kiara Martinez, Amilia Gutierrez, Lauren Adams, Natalia Salazar, Jaqueline Ruiz, Brianna Ramirez, Yamileth Castillo De Leon
PHOTOS
Pioneer Middle School picture (going from left to right):
Esmeralda Quezada, Rosa Ceja Lopez, Principal Kris Duncan, Katye Perez, Bryan Osorio, Diego Martinez de Santiago, Mizraim Garcia, Consuelo Sarmiento, Teacher Claudia Salazar, Roberto Rodriguez, Ana Pedroza Velazquez, Isabel Vergara Ramos, Genevieve Zanger.
Garrison picture (going from left to right, top to bottom):
Tiffani Carrillo-Villegas, Olivia Isenhower, Rosalinda Villagomez, Edward Vu, Kiara Martinez, Amilia Gutierrez, Lauren Adams, Natalia Salazar, Jaqueline Ruiz, Brianna Ramirez
Not pictured: Yamileth Castillo De Leon
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools has named Rick Kline principal of Green Park Elementary following an extensive applicant screening process from a vast pool of qualified candidates. The selection process included parent and staff meet and greet sessions, classroom observations, a formal interview and site visit to his school from WWPS representatives.
Kline has 10 years of experience as a school principal. He is currently serving as the Skyway Elementary Principal in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He has also been an elementary principal in the Lake Pend Oreille School District in Sandpoint, Idaho and Plumas Unified School District in Portola, California. Kline has experience as a Title I Director, elementary teaching coach, and elementary classroom teacher.
Kline received his Bachelor’s Degree (Math major) and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, both from Eastern Washington University.
"I am looking forward to making the move to Walla Walla, being a part of the community, and working with the passionate staff at Green Park Elementary” said Kline. “The people of Walla Walla have a strong history of supporting education, their schools and students. During my visit to Green Park last week, it was obvious the entire staff puts students and student learning as a priority.”
Current Principal Gina Yonts has accepted a position with the Association of Washington School Principals. Her last day as Green Park Elementary Principal is June 30. Kline’s contract begins July 1.
###
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1001835
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools announces Barbara Casey, Brent DeRoest, Rick Kline, and Justin Vernon have been named finalists for the Green Elementary Principal position following an extensive applicant screening process from a vast pool of qualified candidates. Parents and staff are encouraged to meet candidates Thursday, May 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. during public meet and greet sessions at the Green Park Elementary Library. Attendees are asked to complete candidate feedback cards and be present, if possible, for all four candidate sessions (translation services will be available).
Barbara Casey is currently serving as the Lead Behavior Specialist for Walla Walla Public Schools. She has 18 years of experience in public education, including as a special education classroom teacher. She is a National Board Facilitator and Right Response Advanced Instructor.
Brent DeRoest is currently serving as the Principal at Walter J. Meyer K-8 school in the Tombstone AZ Unified School District. He has also served as the High School Vice Principal in Tombstone. He has 15 years of educational experience, including classroom teacher, athletic director and technology coordinator.
Rick Kline is currently serving as the Skyway Elementary Principal in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. He has served as an elementary principal for ten years in both Idaho and California, Title I Director, elementary teaching coach, and elementary teacher.
Justin Vernon is currently serving as the Dean of Students and Math Coach at Green Park Elementary. He was the Interim Assistant Principal at White Center Heights Elementary in the Highline (WA) Public Schools. He also held the Dean of Students position at White Center Heights Elementary.
Meet and Greet Sessions (Thursday, May 31 - Location: Green Park Elementary Library):
- 4 p.m. Candidate Brent DeRoest
- 4:30 p.m. Candidate Rick Kline
- 5 p.m. Candidate Barbara Casey
- 5:30 p.m. Candidate Justin Vernon
Current Principal Gina Yonts has accepted a position with the Association of Washington School Principals. Her last day as Green Park Elementary Principal is June 30. The new principal will report July 1.
###
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1001835