NASELLE – The Naselle-Grays River Valley School Board, at its regular monthly meeting held on Monday, Dec. 13, reorganized for the new year. Steve Sultemeier was elected chairman with Deanna Gjovik, vice-chairman. Sultemeier then conducted the meeting as the new chairman.

The board gave recognition to several individuals and groups: They recognized Ed Engelson for his continued commendations for for the bus maintenance reports from the Washington State Patrol School Bus Inspections for Winter and Summer 2004; received Rebecca Johnson’s report on her FFA trip to Minnesota; and recognized the varsity volleyball team for receiving first place in the Pacific League.

In personnel action, the board: hired Kim Eaton as girls basketball c-squad coach; hired Richard Rudolph one extra period a day at the Naselle Youth Camp School; and approved the vice-principal contract for Jon Tienhaara.

The board voted to hire a part-time superintendent with the focus on searching for a candidate who is willing to relocate close to the district. (See story at right on superintendent search.)

In other action, the board heard from Mr. Pimm of Chartwells that they had received a grant in the amount of $750 to improve the breakfast program; approved the first reading of board policy 3414, 3416, and 3417; appointed Kember Chism to the Wahkiakum Community Network to represent the N-GRVSD; heard that the estimated ending cash balance is $173,310; and received a check in the amount of $14,895 from the PUD for the energy saving variable speed drive pumps.

Regarding the ongoing issue of air quality in the school, the board heard that Rich Prell did not find any air quality problems. The next step is to hire a company to do a broad spectrum test. It will cost approximately $4,000 to $5,000 to run the tests.

In principals’ reports, Mrs. Wirkkala reported that Riley Queener and Risa Fletcher won first place for their Veterans Day essay; Megan Sharp won the art contest by Friends of Skamokawa; Bruce Wise was selected for the 2004 Who’s Who in Teachers; the ASB is developing guidelines for senior trips beginning with the class of 2008; the school is securing a contract with Astoria and South Bend to bring in a drug dog; there will be pilot retakes for the WASL for students wishing to do so; and the Winter Program was to be held Wednesday.

Mr. Andrea distributed the Passport Grading Matrix to the board for their review.

Mr. Bennett stated that Jan. 8 will be the date for the naming of the gym in honor of Lyle Patterson.