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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (July 18, 2013)
schools july18 Schools Update: What is Happening With the Superintendent By Dr. Ken Cox I had someone ask the other day, “What’s happening with you anyway?” to which I replied “I am still here!” Since what has happened can be confusing, I thought I would take a shot at clarifying just what is happening with the Vernonia School Superintendent position. With the challenge in developing the district budget this year, it became obvious that one important way to reduce costs would be to move to a part-time superintendent. I chose to retire from PERS, which made it possible for me to continue on here in Vernonia in a part- time role and still provide considerable savings to the district. My next challenge is going to be getting the work of a full- time position done in only two or three days a week. This transition will mean changes in my availability. However, now that most of the construction is complete, I am committed to focusing my efforts on strengthening student learning throughout the district. The Vernonia Elementary School teachers have done a great job this past year of reviewing their teaching methods and adjusting their teaching to focus on those students who need additional review. As a district we Vernonia School Board Report At the July 11, 2013 Vernonia School Board Meet- ing: are going to begin expanding this work to include all grade levels next year. Even though my time will be limited, I will also continue representing the district in seeking funding to deal with our remaining construction debt. We are continuing our efforts to obtain the remaining funds necessary to meet these obligations. I encourage you to take advantage of some of the upcoming events where you can help in this process and get some entertainment in return. On August 3rd, we all have the opportunity to see Justin Shandor (who was named the World’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist by Elvis Presley 2013 15 Enterprises in 2010) at this year’s Vernonia Friendship Jamboree. He will be giving performances at 2:00 and 6:00 PM on Saturday, August 3 rd at the new school. Please check our website for more information and PLEASE tell all of your friends, families, and neighbors; especially those who don’t live in Vernonia, as they might not have heard of the Give Back Bash elsewhere. We hope you can join us on August 3 rd , and remember, I will answer your email or phone call if you ever have a question or concern about district issues, even on my reduced schedule! Council. waits to identify volunteers to help with framing of the building. Anyone with construction background inter- District Hires New Music Instructor-Superintendent ested in helping with the project should contact Aaron Ken Cox announced that the District has hired Andy Miller at 503-429-1345 or 503-429-5891. Morrow as the new Music Instructor. Morrow is a re- cent graduate of Portland State University where he re- Spencer Park Construction-Superintendent Ken Cox ceived his graduate and masters degrees. This will be informed the Board that the demolition at the old school his first teaching assignment. He has worked with the site should be nearly complete by the end of July. He Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Portland Youth told the Board that the District is working on proposals Philharmonic where he taught music theory. He has and agreements for: electrical changes at the stadium; also taught private lessons. Morrow has performed restoring plumbing to the concession stand; transport- with former Vernonia music instructor Rob Izzett in the ing dirt from the new school site to the old school site; 204th Army Band from Vancouver, WA; Morrow plays and leveling the football field at the new school and the trombone and piano. moving any remaining dirt. Board Approves Agreement for Fiscal Services-The Board approved an Interagency Agreement between the Northwest Regional Education Service District. The agreement will have the NWRESD act as the Busi- ness Manager and provide Business Services for the School District. The agreement is for one fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013. The School District will pay the NWRESD $55,000 in exchange for an on-site Busi- ness Manager 2-3 days per week as needed; cash man- agement, banking and investment oversight; financial management and budget development services; main- tenance of personnel and payroll records; payroll ad- ministration; and numerous other related duties. Dawn Board Sets Substitute Teacher Pay-The Board set a Plewes, who has served as the District Business Man- rate of $171 per day for licensed substitute teachers for Vernonia High School cross country ager, has been hired by NWRESD and will assist the the 2013-14 school year. District with their services. practice will start Mon. August 19 at Board Sets Student Fees-The Board set student fees Board Elects New Chair and Vice Chair-Bill Lang- for the 2013-14 school year. The only change was 9:00am in the outdoor covered area maid was elected Chair of the Vernonia School Board an increase in the cost for a Yearbook to $49. There behind the school commons. and previous chair Jim Krahn was elected Vice Chair. was also a clarification on band instrument rental fees. Prior to the election, recently elected Board member The Board decided that the Brett Costley and re-elected Board member Krahn Maximum Family Annual were sworn in. Recently re-elected members Ernie Band Fee of $150 does not Smith and Cari Levenseller were not present. include instrument rental fees. Board Members Select Committees and Assign- ments-Board members selected District Committees to Board Adjusts Meeting which they would like to act as liaisons, including: Tim Schedule-The Board add- Sundgy, August 4th, 2013 Bamburg to the Technology Committee, Brett Costley ed two fundraising training 7:00 AM to the Health and Wellness Committee, Jim Krahn to workshops on September (Jgmboree Weekend) the Talented and Gifted Committee, and Greg Kintz to 12 th and October 10 th to the Achievement Compact. Board members also chose their schedule. The work- Board Assignments that they would like to serve on. Er- shops will begin at 4:30 Vernonia Golf Course nie Smith, Bill Langmaid and Greg Kintz will work on PM, prior to the regular 15961 Timber Rd. East Negotiations, Brett Costley and Cari Levenseller will school board meeting. Vernonia, OR 97064 work on Policy Review, Jim Krahn, Tim Bamburg and The Board also changed Ernie Smith will work on Facilities and Long Range the date of their Novem- Planning and Bill Langmaid and Cari Levenseller will ber meeting to Wednesday Plegse join in supporting “Toy & Joy” work on the Vernonia Education Foundation. November 13 th in order to to purchgse toys for locgl kids for Christmgs avoid conflicts with sched- Board Approves Spencer Park RFP-The Board ap- ules. proved a Request for Proposal (RFP)seeking a qualified Scrgmble, Shotgun Stgrt (4 person tegms) Formgt: General Contractor for placement of stockpiled topsoil, Greenhouse Project on fine grading and amendments, gravel pathways, and Hold-Superintendent Ken $60.00 per person fencing for Spencer Park. The RFP has already been Cox informed the Board approved by the Columbia County Board of Commis- that the greenhouse con- Due by: July 29, 2013 Entry Fee: sioners and must also be approved by the Vernonia City struction is on hold while it (Before July 4th for $10 off per person) Vernonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Golf Benefit Spencer Health and Wellness School Based Health Center Clinic staff will be available on Tuesdays at the Vernonia Health Center during the summer to see students; call 503-429- 0622 to schedule an appointment. Entry Fee includes: Green fees, 1 Cgrt per tegm, Tegm Photo, Surf & Turf Lunch gnd Rgffle Ticket Lunch, Rgffle & Awgrds following the tourngment. Putting, Longest Drive & Closest to Pin Contests Mgke checks pgygble to: Vernonig Volunteer Fire & Rescue Associgtion 501(c)3 Tgx deductible For more information, please contact Randy Carlton: 503-429-8252, 503-791-8309 or Email: vernoniagolfbenefit@gmail.com
