By TERRY LINDQUIST
Vashon Island School District Superintendent
One of the many things I have learned about this wonderful little Island community is that there is always something going on. The same is true with the school district. Perhaps we really are a microcosm of the community.
I am excited and proud to share some of the major projects we are working on this year. All of them will hopefully, in some global way, improve the program of studies we offer to all students.
New Superintendent Search:
In October, the school board will choose an executive recruiting firm to manage a national search for Vashon’s new superintendent. One of the board’s expectations is that the firm it chooses will build in a process for gathering community input on the characteristics, skills, experience and attributes required of a new superintendent. Our current plan is to have a new superintendent start work on July 1, 2009.
Board Policies:
The school board will complete a revision of all its policies and procedures by the end of the year. This six-month project has been enormously time-consuming. However, when completed the board will have a model set of policies and procedures that meets Washington State School Directors’ guidelines. Some of our current policies date back to the 1970s; it’s time for an update.
Capital Projects:
The school board is considering two alternatives for renovating the high school and making minor renovations to the elementary and middle schools. It also includes a number of stand-alone options for athletic, theater and technology upgrades. Currently the board intends to make a decision regarding a potential bond issue and the amount at its Nov. 13 meeting.
Instructional Program:
We are now launching a new five-year strategic plan designed to give the district direction and accountability. You can see the plan and its action components on our Web site, which, by the way, will be redesigned by December. The board has also authorized the creation of an Instructional Services Council. The purpose of this council, the membership of which is made up of parents and staff, is to align our curriculum K-12 and support that alignment with an integrated professional development program for all staff.
Labor Contracts:
We recently completed bargaining with our four union groups and our non-represented group. The contracts range from one to four years, thus staggering future bargaining. These agreements are fair for both parties and within budget. To support positive communication between the board and its various work groups, board officers have agreed to meet quarterly with union officials to discuss issues of mutual concern and to problem solve.
District Office Move:
In an effort to conserve our resources, the district office moved on Sept. 26 from the J.T. Sheffield building to three vacant classrooms at Chautauqua Elementary. The move has and will cause a little inconvenience for the district office staff but will provide some relief in rent and central area management charges that currently come from the general fund, thus making more funding available for staffing.
Budget:
While we are still on track with our budget, we have 29 fewer students than last year, which means we have $150,000 less than we anticipated in the general fund. We are currently looking for ways to make up this difference.
Class Size and Staffing:
Overall, our class sizes are within the district’s guidelines. However, kindergarten classes are larger, with an average of 21 students in each. We are hiring some extra help for these classes. There are also some overloads at the high school.
The district seems to be doing well and is moving forward on several fronts. I hope each of you will stay connected to Vashon Island School District and help us improve.
— Terry Lindquist is superintendent of the Vashon Island School District.
