Latest

The latest news from around the Chewelah Valley

Dan Henry Makes Case for Wood-Pellet Heating

March 21, 2013

The Washington State Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 5709 on March 7 for a pilot program to demonstrate the feasibility of using densified biomass (wood pellets) to heat public schools.

The program, also known as “fuels for schools,” would convert one school on each side of the state to a wood pellet heating system with a study initiated by Washington State University to reveal cost and energy savings potential.

Dan Henry, of 5G3 Consulting of Kettle Falls and co-creator of the Quadra-Fire pellet stove now produced at Hearth and Home Technologies in Colville, has worked for many years to promote pellets as a renewable energy in Washington. He said the Senate’s approval of this bill is a big step in the right direction.

According to SB 5709, “the legislature finds, among other things, that clean burning renewable densified biomass leads the country to energy independence, stimulates the economy, reduces carbon emissions, promotes healthy forests and is complimentary to other biofuel industries.” The bill is co-sponsored by District 7 Senator John Smith.

It still has to go through the House of Representatives and be signed by Governor Jay Inslee before it is law.

On March 7, Henry, along with the Northwest, Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, made a presentation to over 30 people at Chewelah Public Library on the benefits of wood pellet fuel as a renewable energy opportunity for Washington State. The presentation was co-sponsored by the Chewelah United Church of Christ, Chewelah Chamber of Commerce, and Libraries of Stevens County.

According to WSU Energy Program, “densified biomass is a solid biofuel made of compressed sawdust and chipped wood that has a consistent quality, low moisture content, high energy density and homogenous size and shape. Densification increases the energy density of biomass by approximately 10 to 15 percent so more heat is produced per unit of pellets burned than if the same amount of raw wood was burned.” (from SB 5709)

As a renewable energy, the WSU study from 2012 reported that timber from state lands affected by pine beetles can provide a constant near-term supply of feedstock for the wood pellet industry. Also, Biomass harvested from unhealthy forests can restore forest health while providing an economic benefit.

As the demand for paper and pulp continues to decrease, lumber suppliers are looking for another industry and Washington should take advantage of that opportunity with pellet production.

The Northwest Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association reports that biomass has been marked as a renewable energy in Asia, China, Japan and Europe. In 2012, the U.S. exported 2 million tons of pellets to other countries and Henry said exporting to other countries creates a great economic impact in Washington.

The HPBA also reports that pellet fuel is 36 percent lower cost than electric heat, 40 percent less costly than fuel oil, and 45 percent less costly than propane. The organization estimates that there are approximately 50,000 residences and businesses currently heating with pellets in Washington, and over one million in the U.S.

Henry said it takes about three to four tons of pellets per year to heat the average home and the average cost of pellets in this area is about $200 a ton.

He said the only thing less expensive is natural gas but that is not available to everyone.

Henry uses the example of the energy savings that Harney County Hospital saw when converting to a wood-pellet heating system in 2007. Harney County Hospital, located in Burns, Ore. saw payback in less than three years and have since been able to use the profit from cost savings to fund its MRI machine. The Oregon State government also said there is no need to regulate the system, which meets all state air quality standards, as there is low moisture content and less carbon emissions than traditional fossil fuels.

Henry also discussed with the Chewelah audience how promoting pellet fuel has a possibility of creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.

Many were interested in how they could bring a pellet mill to the local area and Henry outlined the criteria and needs for being able to make that successful.

He said that the Northwest Alloys plant would be a good place for a pellet mill and a similar sized mill in Pennsylvania created 40 jobs for its community. He said it would be smart to start small and grow bigger as the demand grows. Sawmills already in operation could also have the capacity.

Henry said if there was a larger building such as a school using a pellet heating system, than they could have bulk production and that would make it a more efficient operation.

Pellet mills are also clean and the properly run mills do not cause respiratory issues for employees, Henry said.

By Kellie Trudeau, The Independent Staff

Arts Guild Announces Souper Supper Menu

March 7, 2013

The Chewelah Arts Guild has planned a “souper” delicious evening for Friday, March 15, 2013. First, nine delicious soups made by top-notch local chefs will tempt your palate. Chewelah Peak Learning Center’s Chef, MaryAnn Rice, is offering savory bacon & corn chowder. Tom Rancourt of the Sons of the American Legion has made a hit for two years and is offering again his famous chicken noodle soup. Jesse George owner/chef of Sporty’s will create his creamy tomato bisque soup to add to the evening’s tasty delights. New to the event but certainly not new to making delicious soup Sally McQuain of The Flowery Trail Coffee House will prepare her famous sausage-lentil soup to share with all.

In keeping with the “Kerry On Military Mess Hall” theme, Cathy Schick is making Navy bean and ham to tickle your taste buds. Vegetable beef by Jonni Graybeal, ribs and sauerkraut prepared by Margie Walters, Mexican meatball or Albondigas skillfully made by Dave Tupek and Beef Pepper Pot made by Teri Hanke will round off the soup choices.

Homemade bread compliments of Susan Chamberlin, veggies, drinks and cookies will supplement the soups.

In addition to the food, there will be a silent auction featuring beautiful framed photos and paintings, a big teddy bear and many “artsy” items. Prior to the Souper Supper some of the auction items will be on display in the window of The Deli, 114 E. Main St.

Doug McQuain will provide “Dinner Music.” Doug is noted for jammin’ and he welcomes fellow musicians to share the music. If you want to join Doug for a song, bring an instrument to dinner.

The entries to the area-wide school pencil drawing contest will be hung especially for the Souper Supper. The winners of the contest will be announced at this event. After the evening the drawings will be hung at Chewelah City Hall. This is an outstanding display of art from talented youth.

For several years an anonymous donor who gave the directions and financed the event sponsored the pencil-drawing contest. Sadly our community lost this patron of the arts, Kerry Earl. The Arts Guild is dedicating the Souper Supper in appreciation of Kerry and we hope to continue providing the contest for the area youth in his memory.

Remember Let’s Kerry On: Nine delicious soups!

Fantastic Art and Music! March 15, 2013, 5-7 p.m. at the Chewelah Civic Center. Admission for adults, $8, 12 & under, $5; under 6 free.

Virus Keeps LTCU Visitors Out

March 1, 2013

The Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital Long-Term Care Unit has been closed to the regular public since the beginning of February do to a stomach flu virus that spread fast through the facility.

As of Feb. 7, 2013, the Northeast Tri County Health District (NETCHD) reported that 84 percent of patients, and some staff, had developed symptoms consistent with the Norovirus 2, a fast-moving and highly contagious viral infection lasting around 48 hours.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the norovirus is spread primarily through person-to-person contact, and young children, the elderly and hospitalized are more susceptible. Outbreaks occur most often in the winter season and in healthcare facilities.

The LTCU outbreak resulted in restricting visitation at the facility, requiring all visitors to wear a gown and mask after thorough communication of the situation to limit transmission of the virus. The number of family members and how often they visited was also limited.

“Considering the highly infectious nature of norovirus, exclusion and isolation of infected persons are often the most practical means of interrupting transmission of virus and limiting contamination of the environment,” reports www.cdc.gov.

The LTCU is anticipated to reopen for regular visitation hours after one week where no additional cases are reported and staff has performed a deep cleaning of the facility. The last diagnosis was made Monday, Feb. 26, said Joe Robb, public relations director for Providence Health Care.

Also, no deaths at the LTCU have been directly related to this recent outbreak, Robb said.

The percent of patients who exhibited symptoms speaks to how highly contagious it really is, said Matt Schanz, environmental health director for the NETCHD. It is especially hard to contain in group-living environments, he said.

“The staff did a tremendous job in responding to the outbreak,” Shanz said.

The Norovirus is always circulating, he said, changing strain every few years so that some people lose their immunity. Schanz said good personal hygiene and handwashing practices are the best ways to prevent the virus.

According to the CDC, proper handwashing involves washing with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, noting that hand sanitizers are effective between handwashings but should not be used as a substitute.

By Kellie Trudeau, The Independent Staff

District Postpones New Bond Proposal

March 1, 2013

After voters rejected the capital improvement bond proposed in the February election, the Chewelah School District Board of Directors opted to not re-run the same proposal in April.

The board will decide later if the district should run a similar campaign during the August special election, postponing the vote for a new bond resolution at the Feb. 20 meeting.

February’s capital bond proposal for a complete renovation of Jenkins High School to accommodate 7-12 grades had 55 percent approval although 60 percent was needed to pass with a supermajority. Director Larry Kristiansen said that would require about 300 additional yes votes without anymore no votes, or turning 121 rejections into approvals. The election had a 46 percent voter turnout for the district with 2,453 total ballots cast.

Whether or not the bond is re-run in August, Superintendent Rick Linehan said the district will move forward with its plan to consolidate to two buildings, moving the seventh and eighth grade Jenkins Middle School students to JHS starting fall 2013. Linehan said it is not sustainable to keep all three buildings open with the continued decline in enrollment and anticipated staff resignations. The school district is funded by FTE (full-time equivalent) enrollment and estimates 788 students in 2013-2014.

“We have to consolidate to stay fiscally prudent,” Linehan said.

The JMS building may be shut down in phases as there is not enough gymnasium or science lab space at JHS to fit the additional middle school classes. It costs about $76,000 a year to heat the entire JMS building so using less space will reduce that utility bill, Linehan said, although the exact savings are unknown. “The real savings is in personnel,” he said.

The JMS building was open in 2012-13 for the possibility of using the school during construction of JHS if the bond passed.

The school district will likely need to purchase, or at least rent, another double portable classroom that costs at least $120,000 for the structure. Additional cost is required for transportation of the unit plus other necessities such as installation of working plumbing. It would cost even more to turn it into a science lab, Linehan said.

Further discussion on how best to transition the middle school to the high school will take place in the coming months.

Directors Loretta Burkey, Deanna Norvell, Tim Whitley and Clint Kirry said the capital bond proposal should be on the ballot in August and should remain at the original bond amount of $9.9 million for a complete renovation and expansion of Jenkins High School and the surrounding complex, qualifying it for another $9.8 in state matching funds for capital school projects. This amount would cost property owners $1.62 per $1,000 of assessed property value (previously it was estimated to cost $1.64 per $1,000 APV.)

Director Larry Kristiansen said he thinks they would be more successful if the additional unmatched $500,000 for upgrades to Gess Elementary was removed from the plan as some voters have asked, “What’s Gess got to do with it?”

Linehan said the district wanted to add the portion for Gess to pay for upgrades that would help it last for another 20 years, like replacing the windows and heating system, so as to not need to remodel both buildings.

The proposal without the additional funding for Gess would be a $9,449,000 bond, or $1.52 per $1,000 assessed property value.

Chewelah Citizens for Kids committee chairs in attendance at the board meeting, Maegan George, Diane Evans, Sherri Hansen and Kevin Herda, also recommended that the board wait until August, giving them more time to rethink a new campaign strategy.

Hansen said they are concerned about losing the momentum for the work they have put into the campaign, but April would have been a bad time for the community with first half of property taxes due and a higher area unemployment rate in the spring.

Director Norvell said they should also consider the city’s proposal for the annexation of the Chewelah Public Library into the Stevens County Rural Library District, which will be a part of the April 23 election for city residents. She said they would not want to jeopardize those results by putting another tax initiative on the same ballot. Linehan agreed April does not have a good history for voter approval in the area.

The committee chairs also recommended that the board run the bond for the same amount with the same plan. Norvell said some people believe the district was asking too much already and taking anything away would confirm that belief even though they do not think that is correct.

Linehan also said the district did not ask for the “Cadillac plan” as some citizens think. Both Gess and Jenkins High School could have been completely remodeled at the same time for a $15 million bond, qualifying the project for an additional $15 million in state match.

A track was added on to the plan behind JHS at Barbour Complex because it is the only time it would qualify for 50 percent state match since it would be on the same site as the building renovation.

Linehan said some citizens have also argued that they should not need to renovate the entire school but instead should just add the additional 19,500 square feet of new classrooms to accommodate the seventh and eighth grade with minimal cost and construction. He said the expansion could be done for around $6 million, but would not qualify for state matching funds since the state requires the entire building to be remodeled. So spending another $4 million with a goal of complete renovation allows the project to qualify for 50 percent state match, turning that additional $4 million into another $14 million thus making it a $20 million project. The current JHS building was built in the 1970s.

Committee member Hansen said it would be helpful if they were more specific on the plans and opened tours to the high school to explain exactly what modernization of the entire building would change and why it is necessary.

Waiting until August for a chance to pass the bond will delay construction an additional year, so the two-year project would not start earlier than the summer of 2015.

State match for capital school projects is money allocated by the state from a portion of the timber tax collection.

In other business, Pat Gaffney delivered the JMS annual report at the school board meeting, which was held at JMS. He reported all of the school’s accomplishments and achievements in the last year following a short video clip Principal Jon Symonds put together while he is away recovering from major injury. Gaffney said the 2012 6-8 graders beat the state average in all subjects (reading, math and writing and science) on the state MSP (Measurement of Student Progress) test.

Also, in addition to receiving its third consecutive School of Distinction Award for continuous improvement in 2012, JMS ranks on the top according to the recently released Washington State Achievement Index, scoring 6.44 out of 7. This makes Jenkins Middle School the top three school out of all public middle schools in the state and first out of this area. The WAI is a snapshot of a school’s performance based on state assessments.

There are currently 110 7-8 grade students attending JMS. On March 29, the entire school will participate in a science culminating event to visit the IMAX theatre in Spokane to see “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.” Chewelah PTSA is helping fund the event.

Linehan reported that a working ADA Wheelchair Lift to be installed at Jenkins Middle School will cost around $14,000 and is necessary for Symonds to be able to go up and down each floor of the three-floor building.

The board approved the policy and procedure for alternative and extended learning. HomeLink and alternative school Principal Matt McLain said the programs comply with all state laws and use the state’s language to remain properly funded. ALE (Alternative Learning Experience) students are funded at 80 percent if they have regular direct personal contact with staff, and 90 percent if they have regular face-to-face contact at least once a week.

The board approved the change to the Nave Sety Scholarship agreement to be able to continue funding an annual $1,000 scholarship for one senior student by utilizing any accrued interest over the original donation of $100,000. There is about $110,000 in the account currently, and due to low interest rates, the annual interest will not fund a full scholarship.

Aubrey Markel has been hired as the middle school assistant track coach and Pat Gaffney resigned as JV softball coach and the open position has been posted.

The JMS and JHS student clubs and fees for 2013-14 were also approved.

The next school board meeting will be March 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office. Included in the agenda will be a discussion on firearms in schools in response to the recent case against Colville fifth graders who plotted to kill a classmate.

By Kellie Trudeau, The Independent Staff

Colville Kids Murder Plot Fails

February 21, 2013

Two fifth-grade boys, ages 11 and 10, were arrested at Ft. Colville Elementary School in Colville on Thursday, Feb. 7 after police and school officials discovered their plot to murder a female classmate and possibly other classmates, according to court documents released by the Stevens County Prosecutor’s office on Feb. 13.

The two boys have been charged with Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder along with other crimes in the juvenile department of Stevens County Superior Court. The court will hold a hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 20 to determine whether the boys had the mental capacity to commit the crimes. In Washington, children age 8-12 are presumed to not have that capacity but that presumption can be overcome in some cases by evidence of certain factors, according to Prosecuting Attorney Tim Rasmussen.

The boys’ plan to murder classmates was stopped after a fourth-grade student reported seeing the older boy on the bus with a knife before school on that Thursday morning. A school employee immediately contacted the boys to question them about the knife and search their backpacks. The younger boy’s backpack contained a 3.25-inch knife, a .45 caliber Remington 1911 semi-automatic pistol, and ammunition.

The school staff immediately contacted the Colville Police Department and separated the two boys for questioning. Questioning by staff and police revealed that the boys had been planning for about two weeks to lure the female student away from the school and then the older boy was going to stab the girl with the knife while the younger boy was supposed to use the gun to prevent others from interfering. The boys also identified six other students that they planned to attack in a similar manner, according to the documents.

In explaining the reason for the planned attack, the younger boy said he had once been in a short dating relationship with the girl and that now “She’s rude and always made fun of me and my friends.” The older boy said that he had been friends with the girl for several months but she had since become rude and would pick on him.

Another boy apparently was aware of the plan but was going to be paid $80 to keep it a secret, according to the court filing.

When the older boy was asked if he knew the plan was dangerous and unlawful he replied, “Yes, and I wanted to kill her alone at first.” When the younger boy was asked the same question he replied, “Yes, I just want her dead.”

The court papers said the younger boy admitted that he had stolen the pistol from his older brother’s bedroom. A subsequent interview with the brother revealed that he had stolen the gun from his deceased grandfather’s home a few months ago. Police verified that the handgun was registered to the grandfather and that the weapon was functional.

The two boys are currently being held at Martin Hall juvenile detention facility.

In a written statement, Colville school Superintendent Michael Cashion praised the fourth-grader who initially spotted and reported the knife to school staff. He also commended staff and police for their work while encouraging parents to “get involved” and be aware of what is happening in their children’s lives.

By Jared Arnold, The Independent Staff

City Council Protects 2nd Amendment

February 14, 2013

The Chewelah City Council proclaimed Feb. 18 as Bill of Rights Appreciation Day at the Feb. 6 meeting with a unanimous vote that was also greeted with audience applause. The proclamation states the need for preservation of the second amendment, reaffirming the right to bear arms and protecting all other rights.

Councilman Nick Lasko also urged the public to apply for their concealed carry permit, available through the Chewelah Police Department, as a way to exercise their second amendment right.

An ordinance for amending the 2013 budget was also introduced at the February meeting. It includes updating estimated 2012 balances and budgets to more accurate amounts; adding grant funds for the TIB (Transportation Improvement Board) road construction projects, and budgeting $10,000 for consolidating city staff to the North side of city hall, which would involve installation of a steel roll-up security window and relocation of staff and equipment. The ordinance will be voted on at the Feb. 20 meeting.

City Administrator Mike Frizzell said the city recently hired an engineer for the TIB grant projects after three applicants were interviewed. He hopes both projects will be completed by the end of summer 2013. These projects include $900,000 for reconstruction of East Main Avenue Segment B and $123,000 to add sidewalks on the North Side of East Lincoln Avenue. Both will be funded entirely by TIB grants and matching funds.

Frizzell also said they will be taking down the winter lights on Main Avenue at the end of February and plan to trim trees at the same time to prepare for the road construction.

Rebecca Blankinship, manager of Sunny Acres Senior Housing, wrote a letter to the city requesting help in fixing the damage to the carport caused by Thompson Creek flooding. Frizzell said the city is not responsible for the personal property damage caused by the creek but the staff is looking into ways to help reduce future damage.

Councilwoman Carra Nupp said she is concerned for the Chewelah Public Library staff who are dealing with the same amount of workload as last year, but with less operating hours since the city cut its funding for 2013. The library is now funded by the Libraries of Stevens County Rural Library District for three days a week.

Nupp said she is also disappointed in some citizens for treating staff poorly and blaming them for the reduced hours as it was out of their control. She requested the council think again if there is any way the city might be able help this year.

Councilwoman Krisan LeHew said the wellness committee met to submit the application for being an AWC (Association of Washington Cities) Well City in 2013. She believes they have accrued enough points for the top award as long as the application is accepted. Chewelah has been a Well City for the past two years to encourage city employee wellness and reduce insurance premiums.

Councilwoman Dorothy Knauss said the new advisory committees for the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund and Chewelah City Pool are set to meet soon. The pool citizen advisory group has been researching the history of the pool to have context in how to move forward since the city cut all funding to the pool for 2013.

Teresa Shannon, representing the Chewelah Chamber of Commerce, requested that the city join the Chamber of Commerce and suggested that there be a city representative at the chamber’s weekly meetings.

The next city council meetings are scheduled for Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and March 6 at 6:30 p.m.

By Kellie Trudeau, The Independent Staff

Memorial Tribute Will Be Held in Chewelah

February 14, 2013

A Veteran’s Memorial Tribute Program will be held Sunday, February 24, 2013, 2 p.m. at Chewelah Memorial Park Cemetery in Chewelah. The cemetery is located about one mile south of Chewelah on the east side of Hwy. 395.

The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is one way this nation shows its deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. But it wasn’t until the year 2000 that Congress made this ceremonial paying of respects a statutory benefit for a veteran’s family. Prior to that time-even in recent years-honorably serving men and women have passed away without ever receiving a nation’s formal demonstration of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Well, they still deserve that recognition and the Veterans Memorial Tribute Program is dedicated to leaving none of them behind. The name of each Veteran will be read aloud, accompanied by the ceremonial ringing of a bell, followed by Full Military Honors with support from local Veterans Service organizations.

If your loved one was an honorably serving veteran who never received military honors, you owe it to yourself, your family-and your loved one’s memory-to attend.

For any questions or detailed information, please contact: SPC Jon Hauger, WA Army National Guard Honor Guard, (509) 532-2777.

Mondo’s hosts ‘to-go’ Benefit

February 7, 2013

Mondo’s Italian Restaurant is hosting a “To-Go'” spaghetti feed to benefit Jenkins Middle School principal on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 12-6 p.m.

Show your support by purchasing a spaghetti with marinara dinner for $5 or a spaghetti with meat sauce dinner for $6. All orders will be To-Go.

The proceeds will be donated to the Symonds family.

If possible, call Mondo’s at 935-9995 prior to Feb. 10 to help them acquire an estimation of meals to prepare.

If not in the mood for spaghetti, you can still stop by and drop off a much appreciated donation.

Mondo’s Italian Restaurant is located at 404 East Main St., Chewelah, WA 99109.

Local Legistlators Answer Questions from Constituents

February 7, 2013

Addressing jobs and the economy is a top priority for local state lawmakers and their constituents as revealed in a Telephone Town Hall Meeting presented by District 7 legislators on Jan. 31. The meeting was hosted by Representatives Shelly Short and Joel Kretz, and newly appointed Senator John Smith, during a 105-day legislative session in Olympia.

More than 350 attended the teleconference and 51 percent of those callers voted in the instant poll that jobs and economy should be government’s top priority over state budget, education, health care, and public safety.

Kretz said that it is his priority as well. “Our focus is on creating jobs, streamlining government, getting people back to work,” he stated during his closing remarks following the one-hour question and answer session.

Sen. Smith said this is the first time in 8 years that Republicans have the majority in the State Senate and that could mean more chance for change as legislators continue working toward solutions to ongoing state issues. Democrats still lead the House of Representatives.

“Solutions come from home,” Smith said referring to the reason for the long-distance meeting.

Washington State wolf recovery efforts, gun control and education funding were also top topics during the “community conversation” where each legislator had a chance to respond to questions from constituents throughout the district, with a few coming from Chewelah.

Many callers thanked Rep. Kretz for introducing legislation on wolf expansion to the west side of Washington. He said if those lawmakers want wolves recovered, they should be able to have them on that side as well. However, it has been refused a hearing and has not received positive support from those legislators, Kretz said. One Town Hall participant asked that they also look into controlling the Cougar population since they can be as detrimental to livestock as wolf herds.

Another person suggested the Department of Fish and Wildlife should have regional control and not be completely controlled by Olympia government since the issues can be so varied. Kretz agreed.

Sen. Smith has also submitted three bills to the senate about wolf control and local authority if wolves are found to be a threat in an area. The bills would give property owners right to protect their livestock or pets, and the sheriff and commissioners necessary control in appropriate situations.

During the Town Hall meeting, there were also inquiries about ways the government plans to ensure safety in schools considering the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings that happened in Connecticut in December.

Kretz said all the members of the house have different ideas on how to address this growing issue of gun safety and control. He said they are fortunate to have a survivor of the 1990s Columbine school shooting in their caucus to help find solutions.

Rep. Short said the focus should be less on gun control and more on looking into ways to help people such as those suffering from mental health illnesses.

“I’m fighting for the second amendment with everything I’ve got,” Smith said referring to the right to bear arms.

Kretz also added that they should tighten up gun laws for those who violate them. For example, he said juveniles are allowed five gun-related offenses before any real consequence.

Fifty percent of the Town Hall participants say they should pass a separate education budget before any other budget as part of the Fund Education First idea initiated by recent court rulings. Twenty percent said they should not approve that separate budget first and 30 percent said they were not sure.

Rep. Short said she supports funding education first.

“Children should get the first dollar not the last dime,” she said. However, Short said she understands that education is competing with every other funding source that is also important.

Smith said he feels like they can fully fund basic education first within the existing budget and will not have to raise revenues to be able to accomplish that goal.

He said he believes there are ways to streamline the government to make it more efficient and cost-effective but still maintain current programs. It’s not about cuts he said, but about “capturing savings.”

Finally, 80 percent of callers for the District 7 meeting said they would not support a 9 cent gas tax for funding transportation projects.

Rep. Short said they would like to see the North South Corridor finished in Spokane and do not like seeing funds tied up in other projects waiting on decisions to be made but she is optimistic about the discussions she has heard from the transportation committee lately as they find a better way to utilize the taxes.

Smith said raising taxes is not the solution for finding more funding, especially as the 7th District already has the highest fuel prices in the state.

By Kellie Trudeau, The Independent Staff

Honored for Continuous Improvement

January 31, 2013

Despite the 102-year-old building they attend classes in, the students at Jenkins Middle School continuously show top improvement in test scores and have the awards to prove it year after year.

As a 2012 School of Distinction, JMS is one of a few schools in the state to receive the coveted award for improvement in reading and math for three consecutive years. The award is presented to the top 5 percent of schools for improvement over a three-year period and 97 elementary, middle and high schools received the honor in 2012. There were 24 middle schools and junior high schools in the top 5 percent for the state.

JMS staff members, and Chewelah Superintendent Rick Linehan, were presented the award from the Spokane Educational Service District (ESD101) on Tuesday, Jan. 8 on behalf of The Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE), the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD). The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Phi Delta Kappa-Washington Chapter (PDK-WA), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State ASCD and Washington State School Director’s Association (WSSDA).

Seven schools in the region were recognized by ESD101, three middle schools and four high schools. And, even for those it is rare to receive the award for three consecutive years, three of the seven schools were able to meet that expectation for the region. There are over 50 districts in ESD101.

Immediately following the presentation at ESD101, Linehan organized a second banner presentation at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center so that JMS Principal Jon Symonds could be a part of the distinguished honor. Symonds is currently recovering from a Christmas Day snowmobiling accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. He has been the principal at JMS since they were first recognized as a School of Distinction in 2010.

“It buoyed his spirits, our spirits,” Linehan said as it was something positive that happened so soon after the accident. It was also the first time since the accident that many saw him and it was good for him and staff and the kids to see him on TV since KHQ covered the story, Linehan said.

As principal, Symonds is integral to a successful school and getting this award, Linehan said.

“The leader of a building is very underrated in how well the building functions,” he said. “He tries to get to kids around the building all the time, teachers see him there all the time, he leads testing, and processes data to be best used for informing instruction as well.”

Linehan said the biggest change the school district has implemented in the last three years is the addition of PLC (personal learning community) time for teachers to have one hour to work together every Monday morning to help develop the best ways to improve learning overall.

Gess Principal Jerry Pugh consistently sees rising scores in 3-5 grade as well and said that has helped JMS become a School of Distinction.

Linehan said students cannot just learn to take tests and meet expectations in middle school, it starts from kindergarten learning teacher expectations and test taking and that can be attributed to Gess Elementary efforts as much as JMS efforts.

As his school is honored for progress, Symonds continues to progress in his physical therapy treatment. He is expected home on Feb. 26 although Linehan said there is still months of work ahead for him before he can return to his position.

His family set up a page on the www.caringbridge.org website for periodic updates of his progress. On Jan. 27, Symonds wrote an entry and was able to sit for 20 minutes, which he said is “a big accomplishment.”

“You see, sitting is now like sitting on one of those big exercise balls in a lake,” he wrote.

Jenkins High School Counselor Pat Gaffney is currently acting as principal at JMS while Symonds is away.

The Center for Educational Effectiveness, a services, consulting, and research organization dedicated to the mission of partnering with K-12 schools to improve student learning, started the School of Distinction award in 2007 as way to recognize top improving schools. Middle schools are judged in 6-8 grade MSP (Measures of Student Progress) standardized exams. To qualify, schools must have data for at least two of those grades to be considered for the award.

According to the CEE website, “The awards are not designed as a replacement for state and federal accountability measures of school performance, but rather as a supplemental measure to recognize and celebrate school staff, students, and leadership who improve performance for all students over a sustained period of time.”

“These schools are from all regions of the state, all sizes of towns, and with 2 percent to 95 percent poverty and enrollment of English Language Learners as high as 49 percent, these schools demonstrate that significant improvement is occurring all across our diverse public schools.”

For more information, go to www.effectiveness.org.

By Kellie Trudeau, The Independent Staff

«< 306 307 308 309 310 >»

Featured News

Latest