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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (July 19, 2007)
Page 10 The INDEPENDENT, July 19, 2007 Chalk Talk Chalk Talk is a monthly column of information about Vernon- ia schools. It is written by various staff members. This col- umn was written by Superintendent Kenneth W. Cox, PhD, and is a copy of the statement Dr. Cox read at the last school board meeting. Patrons of the Vernonia School District: When I first learned of the incident with Mr. Miller, I was heartsick – not only out of concern for Mr. Miller and his family, but for the impact this would have on our community. I’ve met with Mr. Miller to express my disappointment. What he did was wrong and I do not in any way condone his actions. On the other hand, Mr. Miller is an excellent administrator. He has also been a successful teacher, coach and building princi- pal and works well with students and staff. To make the best decision possible, I’ve spent a great deal of time reviewing District policy and dis- cussing the matter with our attorney and others from both inside and outside our community. Since this is a District personnel issue, its resolution lands squarely on my shoulders and not the School Board. Their only responsibility in hiring and/or dismissing personnel in the District starts and stops with the superintendent. They have hired me to administer district business. My ultimate responsibility however, even more than answering to the Board of Directors, is to the safety, welfare, and educational betterment of our students. Whenever I come to a difficult decision I reflect upon this and, after consultation with others, base my deci- sion on what I feel would be best for our children. It is for their long-term benefit that I have decided to retain Mr. Miller in his current position as principal. Because this is a personnel matter and in light of our current policy and potential legal implications, I cannot share with you all I would like to – nor reveal any of the consequences that will take place concern- Free classes for kids start July 25 Parents! Check this out! The Home of Northwest Microbrews,Wines, Sandwiches, Coffees, Smoothies & More ™ LLC 831 Bridge Street Vernonia, Oregon Open Daily 503-429-0214 Vernonia Community Learning Center is hosting free classes this summer. Taught by a li- censed teacher, these classes will strive to encourage healthy interaction and stimulate cre- ative thinking through art activ- ities, cooking and theatrics. This pilot program is looking for children ages 9-12, who like a motivational atmosphere with exciting projects for them to ex- plore. Registration is encour- aged but not necessary, so just show up. Week one (Monday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 25), Paper Maiché Creations. Week two (Monday, July 30 and Wednesday, August 1) Cooking and Eating! Week three (Monday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 15) Pup- pets and Drama. All classes are from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Call VCLC for more details, or to register, at 503-429-1030. W illiams M etal F ab Custom Fabrication & Welding All Metals Including Stainless Steel & Aluminum Portable W ELDING A VAILABLE 5 0 3 - 4 2 9 - 8 4 3 1 17819 Noakes Rd., Vernonia, Oregon ing this matter. However, I can assure you there will be consequences. I have been accused of setting a double standard in taking this action. I believe, however, that I have set a higher standard for Vernon- ia administrators than for other staff members. Mr. Miller will be dealt with in a fashion similar to, but more severe than, that which we deal with students. If a stu- dent is caught using drugs they face consequences – but being summarily expelled from school is not one of them. I recognize that my actions and those of Mr. Miller are causing concern in our community. The extent to which this comes true will depend on each community member’s ability to support this decision and move for- ward, making the best we can of a difficult situation. Between the Bookends By Nancy Burch, Librarian Vernonia Public Library Community volunteers can so easily be over- looked and taken for granted. It always amazes me that activities (Jam- boree, Fishing Derby, and Salmon Festival), city gov- ernment (council mem- bers), city beautification (Vernonia Pride & Ford Family leadership graduates), fire protection, services for the not-so-fortunate (Vernonia Cares), organizations (Lions Club & Chamber of Commerce), and all of the advisory committees, commissions and boards (budget, airport, ceme- tery, public works, parks, community learning center, planning, and library) would not be in ex- istence if not for volunteers. Until one lives in a town such as Vernonia, I don’t think the fact that so many residents are continually giving of themselves to better their community becomes apparent. Although these volunteers are not looking for recognition, it never hurts to let them know they are appreciated and I would like to ex- press my gratitude to one of these (actually two) dedicated volunteers. Barbara Sturdevant has just completed her second full term (4 years each) on the library board. During this time Bar- bara has missed only two meetings; has attend- ed all but one of the programs offered for adults; has offered invaluable advice; and has become someone to know and to admire. In addition to Barbara’s support of the library, Ralph Sturde- vant has also attended the library programs and delivered flyers publicizing library events. Be- cause Barbara is an avid reader, she will still be a familiar face in the library. Two new books have been added to the library’s collection in recogni- tion of Barbara’s dedication to the library and its programs. One of these books, Th e Garden- fresh Vegetable Cookbook , reflects Barbara’s in- terest in gardening and cooking and the other, The Most Scenic Drives in America is a tribute to this lady who did not drive until her later years, when she got her license and drove across the United States several times to visit her four chil- dren. Thank you, Barbara and Ralph! Summer Reading programs continue on Tuesdays through the end of July and will end with an entry in the Jamboree Parade. The Get a Clue @ Your Library activities still include an- other Scary and Not-So-Scary bedtime story time and showing of The Goonies in the evenings and a scavenger hunt. Prizes for meet- ing reading goals are also available. These in- clude gift certificates to local businesses as well as a variety of prizes from which to choose. New acquisitions include Lean, Mean Thir- teen by Janet Evanovich, Animal Vegetable, Mir- acle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver, The Maytrees by Annie Dillard, Thunder Bay by William Kent Krueger, Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson, High Noon by Nora Roberts and, of course, two copies of the new Harry Potter book. Book discussion will take place Monday, July 23rd at 5:30, with the writings of Patrick Mc- Manus being the subject of the evening. Remember that (thanks to the Friends of the Library) family passes are available to the Chil- dren’s Museum, the Japanese Gardens, and OMSI. The OMSI pass will admit two adults and four youngsters. Be sure to take advantage of these passes and enjoy some quality time with your family. The summer book sale sponsored by The Friends of the Library will once again be held Saturday of Jamboree (August 4th at the library from 9-4.) Books, videos and audio cds will be included in this sale—all at very reasonable prices. Donated items for this sale may be dropped off at the library during regular hours. Preschool story time is not held during the summer. Youngsters are encouraged to attend the summer reading activities instead. Don’t forget to express your gratitude to one of the many community volunteers. Vernonia Public Library: 701 Weed Ave. Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tues., Thur. 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Preschool Story Time: Mondays, 10:30 a.m., when school is in session. Phone: 503-429-1818
