School board postpones facility update process

The board of directors for the Stanwood-Camano School District had to make a difficult decision last Tuesday regarding “urgent facility needs” as compiled by the Facility Advisory Committee (FAC) for Twin City Elementary, Stanwood Elementary, Port Susan Middle School, Stanwood Middle School and Stanwood High School.

To set up a priority list for board members, the FAC considered health and safety improvements that directly affect the learning environment including lighting, heating, ventilation and traffic noise abatement, as well as major maintenance concerns such as roofing, electrical work, plumbing needs and energy conservation.

Initial estimates were obtained from contractors. However, according to Gary Platt, executive director of business services, in a memo to the board dated Nov. 3, in some cases, the complexity of the projects would require more in-depth analysis to determine the best solution and more accurate cost estimates.

A rough estimate for the combined projects came in at $6.8 million.

According to the report, “The (FAC) members indicated that even though we are currently in difficult economic times, the community would view these improvements as reasonable and necessary to maintain their investment in the educational system. They recommend the district present a Capital Projects Fund levy proposal to the community as expeditiously as possible.”

The recommendations were reviewed during a Nov. 3 board study session.

At last week’s meeting, Platt suggested the board should consider making a decision on moving ahead with refining cost estimates for the projects, an expenditure somewhere in the range of $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the scope of the work.

Board members expressed concerns about funding such a project at this time, as well as the added, unbudgeted costs of putting a levy on the spring 2010 ballot. Waiting for the No- vember election would defer costs to the 2010-11 fiscal year budget without delaying project start dates.

“I’m reluctant to do this,” said Director Ken Christoferson. “Where will this money come from?”

“It has to come from the general fund,” said Platt. “I can’t say there is a place at this time right now for funding.”

“This is something that has to be done. In my opinion, this fiscal year is out,” said Roger Myers, president of the board.

Superintendent Jean Shumate, Ed.D., suggested bringing the issue back during retreat discussions.

“What I am hearing from the board is we need to locate a revenue source first,” she said.

“I don’t disagree with the facility committee,” said Myers. “We’re stuck right now.”

No official action from the board was required.

Other school district news:

• District-wide staff members from the music, band and arts departments updated the board on their programs. Goals, challenges and successes were addressed from the elementary schools through the high schools. The combination of providing education to students while instilling a connection to the community through entertainment, labeled “edutain,” was highlighted.

“It’s so impressive to see the students’ artwork and performances in the community,” said Director Patrick Patterson. “The importance of the arts program is exposing students to culture.”

“The arts really provide a great outlet for helping students find out who they really are,” said David Thomas, student advisor. “It adds personality to our schools.”

• Lifetouch National School Studios donated $364 from photo commissions to Elger Bay Elementary. WAVE Division Holdings donated $820 to the district’s elementary schools to advance technology resources.

• Martin Martinez, fifth grader at Cedarhome Elementary, was presented with the Shining Star Award. Principal Jeff Lofgren said the entire Cedarhome staff has taken great pleasure in watching Martin flourish throughout his elementary career.

“Martin has all the qualities of a shining star. He takes pride in his work, has a great sense of humor, and everyone wants to be his friend. He’s going to do big things with his life,” said Michelle Stang, his former fourth grade teacher.

• Kianni Demmert, fifth grader at Elger Bay Elementary, was also presented with the Shining Star Award. “Kianni is liked by teachers, students and administrators,” said Principal Jon Evavold speaking on behalf of the school. “She is a voracious reader, willing to give up her recess time to tutor first grade students. She is reliable and responsible and shines as a role model.”

• The Teacher of the Month award was presented to Peggy Davidsmeyer, English teacher at Lincoln Hill High School. She was nominated by fellow educators Dan Johnston and Catherine Haaland. Both praised Davidsmeyer for her commitment to helping students achieve their goals.

“Her concerns for individuals, combined with her teaching skills, make her a truly outstanding teacher,” said Johnston.

• Kevin Cruse, maintenance employee for the school district, was honored as the Classified Employee of the Month. He was nominated for the award by Stanwood Middle School custodian Jim Williams.

In his nomination letter, Williams said of Cruse, “He is a good leader and has high morals.” Cruse was praised for his willingness to step “out of the box” while making repairs without taking extra time to get the job done.