CSD Newsroom

The Latest from Camas School District

CSD NewsroomThe Latest from Camas School District

Board Highlights (just the facts)

At the October 14 regular board meeting:


Budget Report – The numbers are in! Business Services Director Jasen McEathron shared an initial report reflecting the end-of-year closeout for 2018-19. Revenues were slightly higher than anticipated (1.3%) due to State funding enhancements to Special Education and Transportation during the year as well as increased participation in the Community Education program. Expenditures were down (2.76%) primarily due to cost reduction measures taken during the year. This comes as welcome news as we approach the decision of whether to increase the local levy.


Election Committee – A Superintendent's committee with representatives from past bond and levy committees, citizens, and budget committee members have met twice to discuss the Local Enrichment Levy as well as when a future Bond could come into play. The discussion has been robust and focused on serving the needs of our community. More will be shared at our next board meeting.


WA KIDS and Early Learning – Primary Education Director Diane Loghry shared a report highlighting early learning programming in our district and Washington State's WA KIDS program which gives us data about students who arrive in the fall of kindergarten ready for kindergarten. Did you know? 62.2% of students entering kindergarten in Camas are ready in all six areas of development and learning? Read all about it here.

Mill Town Pride Awards

Bob Devlin

Helen Baller Elementary had an exciting event recently when a squirrel managed to find its way into the building. But fear not! Our multi-talented custodian Bob Devlin was quick to respond. After students in the kindergarten classroom were ushered out of the room, Bob deftly cornered and removed the furry visitor. Crisis averted!


Pictured: Bob Devlin, Principal Aaron Parman & Superintendent Jeff Snell.

Lee Ellen Gilronan

Mentioned in our last edition, Dorothy Fox Elementary teacher Lee Ellen Gilronan was honored by the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership as 2019 Steward of the Year. At our Board meeting on Monday, we were able to recognize this impressive achievement. Thanks for all you do Lee!


Pictured: Camas School Board President Doug Quinn, Lee Ellen Gilronan & Assistant Superintendent Dr. Charlene Williams.

October 11 Professional Learning

Nearly 450 teachers and support staff from Camas and Washougal joined for a full day of equity-focused learning titled "Can You See Me Now? "on our voluntary inservice day on October 11. Participants experienced learning that amplified and centered the voices of our marginalized communities, including students of color, students with disabilities, students experiencing poverty, students in the LGBTQ+ community, and others. They also learned best practices for fostering positive student identity and increasing agency, access, and equity in the classroom.


After a keynote address by Dr. Caprice Hollins, attendees selected from 13 separate breakout sessions largely taught by local educators from Camas and neighboring districts.


What did educators think? This is what they said when asked: What are some key takeaways that you plan to apply to your professional practice moving forward?


  • Awareness. I feel like I have a better understanding of implicit biases and can recognize white privilege. Now my goal is to find my voice. I want to use my voice to stand up for what's right and be willing to push back on our system which is full of institutional racism.
  • I hope to apply my learning in multiple settings throughout my life. Equity extends beyond the classroom to relationships with colleagues, family, and friends. It’s about how I show up in all spaces.
  • I believe in celebrating our differences and learning from each other. Someone else's point of view improves me as a human - we don't have to agree but accept what is their truth.

Human Car Wash

Last week, the leopards of Lacamas Lake Elementary held their annual Human Carwash. During this wet-and-wild event, students who brought in $75+ or more in the Lacamas Lake PALS Spot-A-Thon fundraiser earned a bucket full of water and the chance to douse a parade of crazily-costumed staff members cruising by in various modes of transportation. This year's theme was Under the Sea, complete with scuba divers, fish, sharks, and fun beach music.

Math tutoring for students in grades 3-5

Starting Sat., Oct. 19, students from the Camas High School Math Club will provide lessons that reinforce the concepts students are learning in grades 3-5. Kids are also welcome to bring their own homework or problems they need help with. For more info, contact Camas High School sophomore Sreeti Pokharel at sreeti.pokharel@hotmail.com.

Running for Fun (and funds)

Thankful for sun-drenched fall days and a super-supportive community at this year's Grass Valley PTA Fun Run! Money raised is used to benefit programs like Art Discovery, art supplies/training, Movie Night, and teacher/classroom learning enhancements. ☀️