Enrollment is up for Pomeroy schools

POMEROY-Enrollment numbers presented at School District’s Board meeting, February 24, spurred excitement, when Superintendent Rachel Gwinn announced that enrollment was up to 301.

The 2019-2020 school year began in August with an enrollment of 310, dropped to 307 in September, to 302 in October, 301 in November, and ending 2019 with 299 in December. January, 2020, started with an upward trend with a return to 300 students enrolled, continuing into February with 301. Since the count was taken in February, until the date of the school board meeting, six new students enrolled. Gwinn reported receiving a call from a family who will move to Pomeroy sometime in the spring with a second grader. Twenty-one seniors are expected to graduate in June, and 23 kindergartners are projected to enroll for next fall.

The Board approved Resolution No. 289 to authorize the District to “request participation in the Washington State School District Credit Enhancement Program.” This action will allow taxpayers to save money by the District applying for a lower interest rate on the current outstanding bond. As District Business Manager, Kelly McKeirnan stated, “there is no down side to this.” The Board unanimously voted to approve the resolution.

Gwinn reported some change can be expected from the current State Legislative session in the form of immunizations policy and special education funding. In the past, if a child was not up to date on immunizations, they were given a 30-day grace period to bring it current. The new policy states that Washington schools may not enroll any student that has not met the immunizations required, and the grace period is no longer allowed. She also announced that negotiations with the Garfield County Teachers Association will begin after the legislative session ends.

McKeirnan, stated that the school district is on track with the budget, sporting an extra $100,000 for maintenance and repairs. Currently, he is working on bids to replace the lights in the elementary gym which are not working well and inefficient. Gwinn added that they are looking into incentives Pacific Power might have to offer. McKeirnan also asked the Board to review other maintenance projects that may need to be done. He then confirmed that the school bus that was up for surplus sale had sold. Seven bids were received, and he was pleased to announce that the District received $3,200 from the highest bidder.

Junior/Senior High School Principal Amy Miller reported the suicide prevention training that was scheduled for the staff development day on February 14, 2020, has been rescheduled for April 17, 2020. The girls’ basketball team will be participating in the State tournament. A Pep Band bus will be going to the games, but there may not be enough interest to send a student bus. The high school is continuing to offer “college in the high school” courses through Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) as well as Lewis Clark State College (LCSC). However, they may shift all courses to LCSC due to the new requirements set by WWCC for the high school teachers to have Masters Degrees. Teacher, Ty Bye, has been attempting to satisfy the requirements, but has found it difficult to complete in the allotted time.

The elementary school will host a muffins and juice event for students and parents as part of their Title 1 program on March 27, 2020 at 7:30 a.m. Gwinn said she continues the conversion from a “targeted assistance” Title 1 program to a “school-wide” Title 1 program, which allows more flexibility of services and funding. Since school district has over 40% of students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program, a choice can be made as to which type of Title 1 program it participates. She advised the Board that she will bring the official request to the March meeting.

Tyson Kimble, Pomeroy High School ASB representative, reported that the “Pennies for Patients” drive raised $670.77 for the Leukemia Foundation. The junior and high school students topped the competition over the elementary school for the first time in many years.

This school’s Flex Days to make up for snow days were set for March 5 and 6, 2020. However, no days were missed and allows students a two-day break. These excused days off will provide students an opportunity to attend the State 2B Girls Basketball Tournament in Spokane, Wash.

The next meeting of the Pomeroy School District Board was set for March 23, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Shepherd Room of the Elementary School.