WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla High School senior Naddile Widner was elected to serve as the 2018-2019 Washington State FFA Secretary. This appointment is a one year assignment.
Widner underwent two interviews, completed two written tests, was required to perform a stand and deliver, and then delivered a three minute speech in front of a crowd of 2,000 people as part of the election process. Her duties throughout the year will be to attend a variety of trainings and events in preparation for the approximately 100 chapter visits she will be making throughout the state of Washington. Widner will also attend industry tours and participate in legislative work in Olympia. This summer and fall she will travel to Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, Louisville and possibly Argentina.
Following her year of FFA service, Widner is planning to attend Oregon State University. During her years at Walla Walla High School, she has been the Walla Walla FFA Sentinel, Vice President, and is currently the school’s FFA President. Widner has also been the Washington State FFA District VI Secretary.
“I am honestly so excited to have been elected and cannot wait to begin this year of service,” said Widner. “I know I will garner so much knowledge. I can’t wait.”
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Decision follows nearly two years of study and community engagement
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve a resolution placing a $65.6M replacement bond proposal on the November 6, 2018 General Election ballot. This recommendation keeps bond tax rates the same as current rates. Walla Walla Public Schools pays off all of its existing bond debt in December and this proposal replaces the current tax rate, maintaining one of the lowest school bond tax rates in the county at $1.23/$1,000.
Replacement Bond Information: http://www.wwps.org/2018bond
"The community spoke loud and clear,” said School Board President Derek Sarley. “They’re ready to address these critical facility needs if the district gives them a solid package that keeps a lid on taxes. That’s what we’ve done."
The Community Facilities Task Force has been studying district facilities needs since 2016. The committee decided to recommend the no tax rate increase option to the school board after receiving data from a statistically reliable phone survey and through other community feedback mechanisms. More than 60 engagements were conducted during the Community Engagement Phase including patron tours, an open house event, advisory lunches, presentations and one-on-one meetings.
Voters will be asked to decide on a $65.6M bond measure to renovate Walla Walla High School, Pioneer Middle School and Lincoln High School. The bond would also fund other district-wide health, safety, educational and infrastructure improvements. The school renovation projects are eligible for an estimated $52.6M in State Match funds. All State Match funds will be applied only to the three school renovation projects. Project costs will be carefully monitored by a citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee and any excess dollars remaining following the completion of the renovations will be used to pay down debt to reduce the rate for taxpayers.
The Community Facilities Task Force commissioned 15 independent reports, met 14 times, and spent more than 45 hours visiting sights and deliberating over the identified projects.
During the two-year planning process, members heard many themes as they listened to the community. These themes are incorporated in their recommendation, including:
- Use State Match funds only on voter-approved projects
- Renovate existing schools rather than building new
- Prioritize classroom and learning needs above other improvements
- Establish an independent citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee to ensure another layer of accountability
- Any excess funds will pay down debt
- Make sure safety and security measures across all campuses are part of the improvements
- Maximize the opportunity for local contractor and vendor involvement throughout the improvements to keep money local
Community Facilities Task Force Membership
Paul Schneidmiller (Chair) - Business
Tony Cabasco - Higher Education
Jim Dumont - City WW
Roger Esparza - Realtor
Darcey Fugman-Small - Business
Chris Garratt - Health Services
Randy Glaeser - County WW
Don Holbrook - Corrections
John Keifel - Classified Rep
Dean Lodmell - Local Engineer
Dick Moeller - Local Contractor
Linda Newcomb - Local Architect
Jim Peterson - Higher Education
Kara Schulke - Parent
Phil Shivell - Local Contractor
Craig Sievertsen - Finance
Keith Swanson - Certificated Rep
Peter Swant - Port Commissioner
Casey Waddell - Finance
Jerry Zahl – Agriculture
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WALLA WALLA - Last night the Walla Walla Public Schools School Board unanimously approved the English Language Arts (ELA) adoption of College Board’s Springboard materials for 6th -12th grade for use starting in the 2018-19 school year. “We are extremely fortunate to have a school board who supports high quality instruction. This comprehensive 6th-12th grade adoption of the Springboard materials puts all of our 6th graders on track to access Advanced Placement classes by 10th grade,” said Christy Krutulis, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning.
The adoption of Springboard is an advancement in curriculum materials for teachers to use to ensure students have access to rigorous and standards aligned materials. A comprehensive team of teachers dedicated time over the last year to ensure the best materials would be brought forth for adoption. “It’s exciting to know teachers unanimously selected College Board’s Springboard materials as a critical next step for ensuring all students graduate from Walla Walla Public Schools with the essential literacy skills to be college and career ready,” said Krutulis.
This adoption is part of the annual $500,000 investment toward new curriculum materials approved by the School Board during last spring’s Strategic Planning process. Additionally, School Board supported technology enhancements will ensure there are Chromebooks in all 6-12 ELA classrooms across the district to provide students multiple ways to engage in learning.
With an official adoption vote, materials will be ordered for teachers to have access before the end of June. There will also be two opportunities for English Language Arts teachers to engage with the new materials over three days of professional learning either in June or August.
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Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1001835
WALLA WALLA - Walla Walla High School Athletic Director Dirk Hansen announces familiar faces will step up to lead the school’s varsity basketball teams next season. Mike Patterson has been named the new Boys’ Varsity Head Basketball coach and Morgan Jo Poyner the new Girls’ Varsity Head Basketball coach. There was a robust candidate pool for these positions. The hiring process included a comprehensive interview, broad advertisement campaign and involvement from the Wa-Hi Booster Club, area youth coaches and parents.
Patterson has served as the varsity assistant coach in the boys’ program for the last four years under Coach John Golden. He brings 16 years of basketball coaching experience to the position, including a head coach role during his career.
“Mike is very excited for this great opportunity to lead our boys’ basketball program,” said Hansen.
Poyner has served as a varsity assistant coach in the Wa-Hi girls’ basketball program for the past three years. She has an extensive background in coaching girls’ basketball and is very appreciative and excited to be the next head girls’ basketball coach, according to Hansen.
“Morgan played collegiate basketball at both Walla Walla Community College and at Warner Pacific College and she was also a graduate assistant at Whitworth University for one year,” said Hansen.
Walla Walla High School Athletics is planning a meet and greet event Wednesday, May 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Wa-Hi main gym in the Fletcher room. Both new head coaches are eager to share their coaching philosophies and provide a program overview.
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Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors Regular Study Meeting: May 1, 2018
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1001835