Aberdeen Schools

More than 80 members of the community were divided into five panels stationed throughout Aberdeen High School this week for Senior Boards. It is a graduation requirement for each senior to give a presentation to a panel. Using a slideshow presentation that they've prepared, each senior takes their panel through their educational journey and outlines their plans for the future.

In the photo above, senior Ellie Diaz Recinos is congratulated by Deborah Ross after completing her presentation as other members of her panel look on.

"This year's Senior Boards were another opportunity for AHS staff and community members to be part of amazing testimonies from our graduating seniors," Principal Aaron Roiko said. "No matter what path our students have chosen, and the myriad of obstacles they have faced, AHS continues to produce outstanding young people who are ready for life's challenges."

Principal Roiko also expressed gratitude "to all those community members who came into our building to volunteer their time to listen to our seniors' great accomplishments and aspirations."

Kelley McDonald, right, the executive director of United Way of Grays Harbor, presents a $4,305 check to the Aberdeen High School culinary students who staffed the 2025 United Way Gala fundraiser in January, which took place at the Convention Center in Ocean Shores. About half of the check will go to the school as compensation to the culinary program. The other half will remain with the United Way in a student account. Director McDonald explained that the culinary students can direct the use of the funds in support of other students as needs arise at AHS in the same way that United Way responds to needs in the community.

Director McDonald told the students their participation was truly appreciated and that United Way is hopeful they will participate again next year. The students shared that they enjoyed being a part of the Gala and indicated they would be happy to serve again.

The students devoted multiple days and many hours to help get ready for the event.The culinary instructor, left, Shelbie Sanchez, thanked them for their willingness to take on a new experience in service to the community.

Fourth grade students from throughout the district recently traveled to the Auditorium at AHS where the orchestra performed. The music students showcased instrumental choices available to the fourth graders as they consider whether to join orchestra or band when they get to 5th Grade.

Annual dinner is May 8

The orchestra is also planning its annual Orchestra Dinner & Awards Night for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8, in the Commons at AHS. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Dinner is $20 per person. There will be a link on the website soon to purchase tickets in advance, or to donate to the program.

Orchestra Instructor Erik Peterson notes that the awards portion celebrates student achievement and the fundraiser helps keep the program available at little to no cost for all students with an interest to play. The group also travels to hear the Tacoma Symphony.

Students at Miller Junior High School are pictured outside the school as they prepare to depart for the state SkillsUSA competition having qualified at regional events.

CTE Director Lynn Green notes that of the nearly 30 competitors from Aberdeen who took part in the regional event in March, seven students from Miller and a student from the Twin Harbors Skills Center captured gold medals and advance to the national competition in Atlanta, Ga., in June. "This is only our second year having Miller students compete in SkillsUSA so these results are extra exciting," she said.

Stay tuned for more information in an upcoming newsletter as the gold medalists prepare for nationals!

Agenda

President Jennifer Durney convened the regular meeting of the Aberdeen School District Board of Directors at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Robert Gray Elementary School. In attendance were Directors Annica Mizin, Suzy Ritter and Jeremy Wright, along with Student Representative Mikyla Gunther, Superintendents Lynn Green and Traci Sandstrom and 13 patrons and staff. Director Jessica Jurasin was excused.

The meeting began with the flag salute.

Public Hearing on 2024-2025 Budget Extension

President Durney opened the public hearing for the purpose of accepting public comment on the 2024-2025 Budget Extension of $4,119,330 million in the Capital Projects Fund to cover land acquisition and additional phases seismic school planning process and $25,000 in the Debt Service Fund. Seeing no one wishing to comment, the hearing was closed.

Public Hearing on Intent to Issue Limited General Obligation Bonds

President Durney opened the public hearing for the purpose of accepting public comment on the district’s intent to issue limited general obligation (LGO) bonds in the amount of $3.52 million to purchase land for new schools. Following a presentation by Executive Director of Business and Operations Elyssa Louderback, President Durney asked for public comment. Seeing no one wishing to comment, the hearing was closed.

Consent Agenda

The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included:

• The minutes from the regular meeting on March 18, 2025, and
• March payroll vouchers totaling $4,285,420.75, and
• Correspondence from the Grays Harbor Community Foundation regarding a $66,500 annual distribution from the Marian J. Weatherwax endowment.

Comments from the Board

Director Mizin commented on the volleyball season at Miller Junior High School, which she enjoyed as a parent. She thanked the coaches for the hours of time involved on top of their professional lives and offered a suggestion on how to improve court visibility for visiting parents.

Comments from Student Representative

Student Representative Mikyla Gunther shared an update from the Harbor Learning Center, including news that 40 students so far will be graduating in June and that commencement will take place at Stewart Field for the first time. Also, two of the Harbor Learning Center juniors were on the winning team for Business Week and the annual ASB Day of Service will be Friday, May 23.

Comments from the Public

Myka Jugum, a teacher at Robert Gray, offered comment regarding the proposed reduction in force, expressing concern about student and staff safety with large class sizes. She also expressed concern over the lack of a universal intercom system at the school.

Lilianna Rayne, a teacher at Aberdeen High School, offered comment regarding the proposed reduction in force, sharing her experience of having been laid off two years in a row and asked that classroom teachers and para-educators be prioritized.

Margie Barlow, a teacher at Miller Junior High School, commented that she is concerned about the instability that another reduction in force will create for staff and students.

President Durney noted that the board received written comment from the Aberdeen Education Association on Union/Leadership Relations.

Robert Gray Annual Report

Principal Dan Olson presented the Robert Gray Elementary School annual report and school improvement plan for 2024-25.

Policy 3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Following a presentation by Superintendent Sandstrom, the board adopted an update to Policy 3207 and the procedures for prohibiting harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Superintendents’ Reports

2025-2026 Budgeting Update

Superintendents Lynn Green and Traci Sandstrom provided an update on planning for the 2025-2026 budget, discussed their recommendation to plan for a reduction in force (RIF) and shared the priorities underlying the budget work. With the Legislature still in session and facing a statewide budget shortfall, it is difficult to plan with confidence, they said. Currently, they are projecting a $3 million budget shortfall and a 1 percent decrease in enrollment. As of April, enrollment for 24-25 is trending below projections and a 1 percent decrease in enrollment is projected for 2025-2026. It appears the state will provide a 2.5 percent increase in salaries. Additional funds for MSOCs (materials, supplies and operating costs) and special education, are also under consideration, but not enough to fully defray the $4.1 million the district pays in unfunded mandates in those two areas.

Reduction in Force

Following the budget presentation by Superintendents Green and Sandstrom, the board adopted Resolution 2025-01 which finds the need for a reduced educational program in 2025-2026 of up to $3 million.

Seismic Schools Update

Superintendents Green and Sandstrom provided an update on planning for new schools under the Seismic School Safety Grant. Andrew Twyman, the district’s consultant from the Construction Services Group at ESD 112, shared information on changes the Legislature may implement on how future phases are funded. Planning is still funded, he said, but the timeline for the award of actual construction dollars will likely be extended. “The state’s commitment continues to be strong,” he said.

Fiscal Status Report

Executive Director of Business and Operations Elyssa Louderback presented the Fiscal Status Report for March. With 58.33 percent of the fiscal year elapsed the district has received 54.64 percent of anticipated revenue and is at 57/73 percent of anticipated expenditures. Under enrollment, she reported the average annual enrollment of 3,078.06 FTE is trending 6.94 FTE below budget.

Limited General Obligation Bonds

Following a presentation by Director Louderback, the board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-02 authorizing the issuance of $3.52 million in limited general obligation bonds for land acquisition.

Capital Budget Extension

Following a presentation by Director Louderback, the board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-03 increasing the budget in the Capital Projects Fund for additional phases of the seismic schools grant and land acquisition in the amount of $4.12 million.

Debt Service Fund Budget Extension

Following a presentation by Director Louderback, the board unanimously approved Resolution 2025-04 increasing the budget in the Debt Service Fund to account for additional interest payments in the amount of $25,000.

Policy Revisions

Updates and revisions to three policies were presented for first reading:

• Policy 3124 Removal-Release of Students,
• Policy 3126 Child Custody, and
• Policy 4200 Safe and Orderly Learning Environment

Personnel Report

Following an executive session, the board approved the Personnel Report.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Robert Gray's annual report and school improvement plan was presented to the School Board

at the April 15 meeting.

The next regular meeting of the School Board is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, in the Community Room at Aberdeen High School.

Those who attend regular meetings are welcome to sign up at the meeting to provide public comment on agenda items. Written public comment for the record can also be submitted up to noon the day of the meeting by writing to schoolboard@asd5.org. Comments or concerns not on the agenda can be brought to the attention of the district by contacting the Superintendent's Office or by contacting individual board members.

The 2024-2025 school calendar included two weather makeup days, if needed. After closures in February due to snow and freezing, those makeup days will now be school days. The first makeup day was March 21, and the second will be Friday, May 23.

The calendar pictured above has been adjusted to reflect the new schedule.

The Washington Student Achievement Council has launched a new page intended to help students and families explore education and career training options, as well as explore the various options to pay for it. Tap the photo above or you can find the resources here.

• Co-Superintendent Lynn Green, lgreen@asd5.org
  Co-Superintendent Traci Sandstrom, tsandstrom@asd5.org

• Business Office, Elyssa Louderback, elouderback@asd5.org
• Human Resources, Christi Clinkingbeard, cclinkingbeard@asd5.org
• Special Education, Rick Bates, rbates@asd5.org
  
• Career & Technical Education, Lynn Green, lgreen@asd5.org
• Teaching, Learning & Technology, Traci Sandstrom, tsandstrom@asd5.org
• Food Services, Jaime Matisons, jmatisons@asd5.org

A.J. West Elementary School

• Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• (360) 538-2130 / Principal Nani Villarreal

Central Park Elementary School

• Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• (360) 538-2170 / Principal Ruth Erwin-Svoboda

McDermoth Elementary School

• Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• (360) 538-2120 / Principal Mindi Hammill

Robert Gray Elementary School

• Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• (360) 538-2140 / Principal Daniel Olson

Stevens Elementary School

• Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• (360) 538-2150 / Principal Tosha Love

Harbor Learning Center

• Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• (360) 538-2180 / Principal Lisa Griebel

Hopkins Preschool

• Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• (360) 538-2190 / Principal Darby Carroll

Miller Junior High School

• Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• (360) 538-2100 / Principal John Meers

Aberdeen High School

• Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• (360) 538-2040 General / Principal Aaron Roiko
• (360) 538-2060 Attendance Line

Columbia Wellness, a behavioral health agency serving Grays Harbor and Cowlitz counties, has launched a Youth and Family Mobile Crisis Team on Grays Harbor. A PowerPoint presentation explaining Columbia Wellness and how you can access services in a crisis is posted on the ASD5 website. Visit the Columbia Wellness site here.

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The Aberdeen School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Christi Clinkingbeard, Title IX Coordinator and Civil rights Compliance Coordinator, 216 North G St., Aberdeen, WA 98520; (360) 538-2222; cclinkingbeard@asd5.org; Dr. Richard Bates, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, 216 North G St., Aberdeen, WA 98520; (360) 538-2017; rbates@asd5.org.