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.

Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was approved as presented

Bright Spots

SEM Update
📄 SEM-WSD Board Presentation

Student interns from the Advanced Energy Management (AEM) program at Wenatchee High School updated the board on their efforts to promote energy conservation and ensure compliance with Washington State's Clean Energy Standards. These Student Energy Managers (SEMs) are actively engaging with Tier 2 buildings in the Wenatchee Valley—commercial and residential properties ranging from 20,001 to 50,000 square feet—to assist them in meeting state requirements and avoiding substantial fines. Notably, Wenatchee High School hosts Washington's inaugural AEM course alongside this internship. During their update, the SEMs detailed significant achievements: a 31% reduction in energy use across the Wenatchee School District, saving $132,000 and preventing $1.2 million in potential penalties. Their community-wide efforts, including work with CVCH and NCW Libraries, have led to a 19% decrease in energy consumption and $668,000 in savings. Utilizing an innovative "powerdown playoff" awareness campaign to foster behavioral changes, the team has successfully helped two of its 28 clients achieve full compliance to date.

Special Presentations

Restructuring Committee
📄 Restructuring Committee Update

For the past two years, the district’s Restructuring Committee has been analyzing enrollment patterns, facilities, and budgetary data. Committee representatives Amy Jennings, a former Columbia parent, and Reuben Hart, a WHS teacher, outlined the group's primary goal: evaluating and proposing restructuring strategies to address declining enrollment, community needs, and resource efficiency. They presented four options currently under consideration: establishing a dual language magnet school with transportation, creating a Middle School STEM Academy, developing Early Learning Partnerships at elementary schools, and implementing a district-wide reboundary. The committee will continue to evaluate these proposals while seeking stakeholder feedback to determine community needs and support.

Dual Language Advisory Team
📄 Dual Language Update

An update on the Lewis & Clark Elementary dual language program was provided by Principal Mario Avial and Instructional Coach Cassandra Kapes. With support from the Parent Advisory and Dual Language teams, the school is working to align its operations with the state's dual language program guidelines. Key efforts include the adoption of a new curriculum and professional development for teachers. Additionally, an enrollment workgroup is reviewing entrance processes, transportation logistics, and communication strategies to improve program accessibility.

Discussion

Policies First Read
📄 Policies First Read
There were four policies related to staff leave that were reviewed by the school board.

Superintendent's Update

Superintendent Kalahar provided updates to the board regarding several district activities and collaborative efforts:

• He attended the Mariachi Festival workshops at Wenatchee Valley College, noting the high level of student engagement during workshops and praising the exceptional student performances.

• Representatives from the Design Advisory Committee visited four high schools in Western Washington to evaluate modern school construction.

• An open house and tour event is scheduled for April 15, alongside several design meetings involving staff, students, and the Design Advisory Committee.

• The Chelan School District's facilities committee visited Lincoln and Washington Elementaries to gather insights for their upcoming elementary school bond process.

• Director Belton: During the Mariachi workshops, he enjoyed the student performances. He further expressed his appreciation for the middle school band concert and noted his positive impression of the Newbery learning walk.
• Director Iniguez: She had the privilege of delivering the welcome at the Mariachi Festival. She extended her gratitude to the staff and volunteers, and mentioned her enthusiasm regarding the participation of schools from Idaho and colleges and universities.
• President Jackson: At the Foothills AVID showcase, he was impressed by the high caliber of student attendance and engagement. Additionally, he joined Director Belton for a lighthearted "Snatch Yo Wig" activity at Orchard.

Adjournment

Board meeting calendar