School Board Meeting Summary

The Wenatchee School Board provides a "Board Meeting Summary Briefing" after each Board meeting. The summary includes a short description of the main topics and action items. These summaries are not meant to replace minutes. The minutes for each meeting are approved and posted after the next regularly scheduled meeting.

📁 Board packets including presentations and reports are available on our website.

📹 Meetings live streamed and archived on our YouTube Channel.

Bright Spots

Health Occupations Student Association (HOSA)

📄 HOSA Presentation

The Wenatchee High School (WHS) HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter, advised by CTE Coordinator and Instructor Tracy Kasneck, has experienced significant growth and success. HOSA is a student organization for future health professionals. Membership has increased from 18 students in 2023 to 65 members currently. WHS HOSA students have achieved success in competitions at both the state and national levels.

Sophomore and HOSA President Vivian Wallace, along with Senior Alejandro Gonzalez Madrigal, shared their experiences. Alejandro, who is completing his certified nursing assistant program and plans to become a nurse practitioner, commented, “I never thought of myself as a leader until I joined HOSA.”

HOSA members are actively involved in the community and career preparedness through various activities:

• Emergency Preparedness: Partnering with the Medical Reserve Corps for emergency preparedness activities.
• Community Service: Organizing Red Cross Blood Drives and participating in the National Marrow Donor Program. They were trained to swab for DNA and prepare samples, recruiting 30 potential donors.
• Career Workshops: Starting a "Doctor for a Day" workshop program, which has included simulations like suturing and tying, as well as an Occupational Health & Safety workshop.
• Professional Camps: Participation in Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Scrub Camps held in Wenatchee.
  

Citizens' Comments

There were no citizen comments

Special Presentations

Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center Update
📄 Skills Center Construction Presentation

Representatives from ALSC, Garco, and Klosh presented an update on the $14.5 million state grant-funded modernization of Wenatchee Valley Tech, with construction slated to begin in mid-January. They highlighted successful collaboration with the city council to streamline zoning and permitting. Being on-site has allowed designers to customize spaces based on program needs, observing classrooms and instruction. Construction will be phased to minimize disruption to school operations. The project involves substantial and light modernization to create industry-standard, realistic spaces, such as a stair tower for fire science and a demonstration kitchen for culinary arts. The addition will accommodate new programs like dental assistant, along with new lab spaces, equipment, and flexible instructional areas. Program relocation may occur during the process. The project is anticipated to be completed by December 2026.

Superintendent Report
Superintendent Kalahar shared the following update:

• Kicked off the indoor soccer league at Foothills a partnership with the Wenatchee Soccer Club

• The Chamber's Community Leadership cohort held an education day, which was co-hosted by Superintendent Kalahar and Eastmont Superintendent Spencer Taylor. The group of leaders received an informational tour of Valley Academy. Our AEM Interns students presented their work, and Diana Haglund, Communications Director, delivered an understanding school bond’s presentation to the group.

• Our generous community has continued to support and uplift Wenatchee students. This week, the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs hosted their annual holiday lunches and blessed students with a meal, gifts, and a memorable experience.

• Director Belton performed in the Nutcracker at the PAC, which featured many talented WSD students. He expressed his thoughts for all those affected by the recent weather. He also noted that the Pioneer winter band concert was an excellent demonstration of our music programs.

• President Jackson attended the restructuring committee meeting, where a diverse and impressive array of concepts was presented. These ideas, focused on reimagining schools to address declining enrollment and better meet student and family interests, highlighted the innovative thinking and collaborative effort among stakeholders.

• Director Iniguez recognized the school and district staff who manage social media accounts, noting that their work effectively highlights all the good things happening around the district. She expressed appreciation for the overall work being done throughout the district.

Board meeting calendar