WHITE SALMON — Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn began the Feb. 26 White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) board meeting with a thank you to the community.
The district had a bond and a levy on the Feb. 9 ballot; both passed with more than 60% of the vote. The levy renews the educational programs and operations levy (EP&O) that supports day-to-day operations the state does not fully fund; and the bond will create a unified K-12 campus at the current high school / middle school location and improve safety.
“The election results are not yet official, but this is an important moment for our district, our community, and, most importantly, our children,” Polkinghorn said. “The results represent a significant responsibility. Our community has invested in its schools, and it is now our job to deliver on that investment thoughtfully and carefully.
“I am incredibly grateful to our community for their support,” he continued. “I couldn’t even begin to name the many staff, volunteers, and parents, our community, who were instrumental in communicating the vision and the need. This outcome is a reflection of our community’s shared values, and I am so proud to be a part of it.”
Polkinghorn said he expects several years of work before all projects are completed.
CTE expansion
Polkinghorn also reported that WSVSD has been awarded a $115,000 Career Preparation and Launch Grant through OSPI — the state superintendent’s office — to expand career and technical education (CTE) programming at Columbia High School.
The district will launch a new health science pathway, with funds used to purchase an Anatomage Table, an advanced virtual cadaver lab that will significantly elevate their Anatomy and Physiology course and give students hands-on exposure to medical and health science concepts, Polkinghorn said.
“This CTE Expansion work directly supports our strategic goal of preparing each student to graduate with the skills necessary to excel in their chosen college or career pathway,” he added. “By expanding our CTE programs, we are giving students meaningful opportunities to explore post-secondary options, particularly in high-demand health fields, while enrolled at Columbia High School.”
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