School Boards provided with update on facilities, activities

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards heard from administrators and students on Jan. 22 about updates regarding facilities in the districts, as well as ongoing programs and activities within the schools.

In regards to the modernization of Lind-Ritzville High School and the relocation of the students, Superintendent Matt Ellis summarized the school board’s discussions surrounding the topic.

The awareness for the need to relocate the students began in July at the recommendation of the architects, who encouraged the Ritzville School District to complete the project all at once, instead of in phases, in order to save money and help with the efficiency of construction.

In October, the Ritzville School Board began to research options, as well as complete a financial analysis. After, Ellis said the school board members considered options of consolidating, condensing or a hybrid model of moving the students to multiple facilities.

At the request of multiple stakeholders, a Steering Committee was created to make a recommendation of the best option to the school board.

From here, Ellis said study groups will be established to determine the logistics of the relocation of students and help both the Lind and Ritzville School Boards find the best solution for the students.

Ellis also explained the Ritzville School District is now expected to receive a projected $6.1 million in state match money for the modernization of Lind-Ritzville High School.

During a special board meeting on Jan. 21, the school boards both discussed the options presented so far. They believe, from the Steering Committee’s recommendation and community feedback, the best solution appears to be a hybrid model.

Both boards discussed the possibility of moving the Ritzville fifth grade class into the middle school building in order to provide additional space at Ritzville Grade School.

One main focus for the Ritzville School Board is finding a solution where the RGS gym will still remain available for use, and not be converted into an educational learning environment.

The Lind School Board members met on Jan. 22 to determine the options they were most comfortable with, as well as what facilities they could offer for use and how much space they can to provide for students.

Ellis said residents in both the Lind and Ritzville school districts will receive mailer information regarding the upcoming Replacement Educational Programs and Operations levies.

Previously the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) levy, the main change this year is state tax is increasing, while the Lind levy will decrease from $3.05 to a rate $1.50, and the Ritzville levy will now be collected at a rate of $1.50 instead of the previous $3 rate.

In the legislative update, Ellis explained educational associations are focusing on McCleary, supporting student’s individual learning, investing in public facilities and complying with Paramount Duty when meeting with legislators.

Representatives from the local school districts, including the two student representatives, will be attending the legislative conference on Jan. 25-29.

Student Representative Emma Aldrich provided a brief update about events at Lind-Ritzville High School. The Link Crew recently participated in a flash mob at a home basketball game, and then went to the bowling alley as a group.

Aldrich said students are excited that Jennifer York is returning to her role as band and choir teacher after her maternity leave.

Prior to her return, Aldrich said a group of students turned in application to participate in Honor Band and Honor Choir, which will be determined next month.

For upcoming events, Aldrich said Lind-Ritzville High School hosted a Knowledge Bowl on Jan. 23. The National Honor Society is currently planning a blood drive on Feb. 28.

Ritzville Grade School Principal Tom Arlt explained students recently completed their MAP testing, and the initial test scores are a large improvement over the previous test.

Arlt said the normal growth for a student is between 3-5 points, but 12 students in the fourth grade class have already averaged 12 points above their grade level or in improvement levels.

Arlt also said he is working on Special Education disproportionality, as a change at the national level will require states to determine the level of enforcement per state. He added there are over 180 categories of disproportionality, and he has begun to review date for the district to ensure they are in compliance.

Lind-Ritzville High School Principal Ronanda Liberty explained the freshmen and sophomore classes also completed MAP testing. The high school students are now preparing for the end of the semester, which occurs on Jan. 25.

There is currently tutoring available for students three days a week after school, and Liberty said the school plans to extend it to four days a week soon.

Four Lind-Ritzville Middle School students presented to the school boards about Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) and the projects they have been working on. Students presenting were Joseph Arroyo, Dacota Friedlander, Taylor Galbreath and Hannah Colbert.

Arroyo presented about making Menudo, which he learned how to cook with his family. During the project, Arroyo learned how to use kitchen tools and prepare ingredients. He said his favorite part was cutting the fat off of the tripe.

Colbert and Galbreath are currently working on a miniature wind turbine, and are learning about how energy is converted to electricity.

The two girls will be entering the project into the State Agriculture Science Fair in April. There will also be four other local students competing in the event.

Friedlander’s project focused on building a doghouse for his cousin’s new dog. He worked on the project with his grandpa, and learning how to use different saws in order to complete the project.

Galbreath said overall, there were 72 SAE student projects completed at Lind-Ritzville Middle School. The combined time for projects totaled more than 400 hours of learning, as well as more than 300 pounds of food being donated.

Lind Chamber of Commerce President PJ Jacobsen provided the Community Connection for the meeting. Throughout the past year, the Chamber hosted a variety of new events to find the best option for events within the Lind community.

Jacobsen said while the Chamber hosted a Mother’s Day dinner, Harvest Festival and Zombie Walk, they will focus on hosting three bingo/raffle nights throughout the upcoming year because of the event’s success. Another priority item for the Chamber is creating Welcome Baskets for new residents in town.

The Chamber also recently created a new website, specifically for Chamber events. The new website can be accessed at http://www.lindwachamber.com.

The February Lind and Ritzville School Board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Lind-Ritzville High School.