[EVSD News] Superintendent's Newsletter 11.05.09

[Jodi Brown]

November 5, 2009
 
The purpose of this newsletter is to update you on events that are
happening in the district, provide information to address issues or
rumors and provide you a forum to communicate with me on items of
interest. If you are receiving this e-mail you are either an East Valley
Staff member, you have signed up for this service, you have sent me an
e-mail or have had some form of contact that we think would cause you to
want this information. If you do not want to continue to receive this
information you may unsubscribe by clicking the link below or contacting
the district office.  
 
I never cease to be surprised at the interconnectedness of our lives. 
Last week I got a call from a lady who was, and continues to be, a
strong community and schools advocate in Ferry County.  I had met her
when I worked in Republic and had not talked to her for several years. 
She called to tell me that she is now traveling and was recently in Utah
at a state park. While there, she went into the gift shop and as she was
browsing began to speak to the Park Ranger.  When asked where she was
from she said: “Washington”.  The Ranger responded that he knew one
person in Washington and gave her my name.  Turns out he is a long time
friend who I have not seen for many years.   
 
I would like to offer you an opportunity to expand your
interconnectedness.  The Liberty Lake Rotary club has sponsored an
exchange student from Japan. The young woman is enrolled in the East
Valley District and is a delightful young lady.  Most of those club
members live in the Central Valley School district and the family who
was going to house this student has recently been transferred. If you
would consider providing a place for this young lady to finish her year
it would be greatly appreciated. If you want more information please
contact Mr. Mike Momb at 226-3649 or 605-321-1735.  
 
This is an exciting time of year, and not just because hunting season
is in full swing. I want to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who
participated in the school board elections.  We were very fortunate to
have a great group of dedicated individuals run for board positions.  At
this time it appears that incumbents Kerri Lunstroth and Roger Trainor
will retain their seats on the Board.  Heidi Gillingham appears to have
secured the position vacated by our long-time board member June Sine. 
(As a side note June is going to continue her service to education by
accepting a position on the ESD 101 Board.) 
 
I will make every effort to involve the candidates who did not win the
election in the continual school improvement process.  I am particularly
interested in hearing about concerns and any ideas they have for
improving our organization and its service to students.   
 
In other news:  It appears we have turned the corner with regard to
this wave of H1N1.  Attendance levels are back to our expected standard.
We have been working with the East Valley Education Association to
negotiate a new contract.  While emotions on all sides can be high as we
deal with these issues, the discussions have been civil, professional
and focused on solutions.  I am hopeful that we will reach resolution in
the very near future.  Our enrollment has appeared to stabilize but we
are still seeing too many students leave our district. Undoubtedly the
current economic climate is contributing to this student movement.  We
continue to plan for our Farm to School program and hope to be able to
establish community and school based gardens this coming spring.   
 
As always you may contact me at the district office 924-1830, at home
928-0519, via e-mail glenewinkelj at evsd.org or regular mail, 12325 East
Grace, Spokane Valley, WA, 99216.
 
Thank you for the opportunity to serve this district.  
 
John
 
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