White Salmon Valley School District begins initial design process

A six-person district team had spent the previous day interviewing three architecture firms. “Each firm brought thoughtful ideas and a clear vision for how they would approach our project,” he said. “What stood out most was not just the creativity, but the practicality. Each team spoke about how they design buildings that can actually be built, how they partner closely with contractors, and the systems they use to manage budgets and avoid scope creep.

“Walking away from that process, I felt a real sense of excitement about what’s ahead and the level of expertise we have access to as we move this work forward,” he said.

Next steps include reference checks, and once a firm is selected, the district will begin negotiating a contract — which he expects will come before the board for approval in May.

Building security

Board members unanimously passed an agreement between WSVSD and Puget Sound Hardware, Inc., for district-wide security improvements, namely the installation of access controls and a new key system for all buildings, along with supporting door hardware.

Polkinghorn said work will happen over summer vacation.

“For the record, I appreciate that we’re still continuing to focus on one of the priorities we’ve planned, which is campus security,” even with plans underway for campus renovations, said Board Chair Peter Harkama.

Polkinghorn said all hardware is modular, meaning it can be reinstalled later.

AVID update

Columbia High School (CHS) Principal Kelly Hume gave an update on the school’s AVID program — or “Advancement Via Individual Determination” — which is in its first year of implementation. The ninth grade elective cohort has 14 students who were chosen through recommendations and an application process.

The program targets what Hume called the “academic middle” who have potential but are in need of additional support, primarily first-generation college students. It’s a rigorous course — honors and AP classes are encouraged — that focuses on developing critical thinking, organization, and study skills.