9/20/24

Nolan Duce and I recently had the chance to speak on KONP Radio about the upcoming bond and Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy vote. This was a great opportunity to clarify the important details of both measures and how they will shape the future of our district. Here’s what I shared during the interview:

EP&O Levy Renewal: Continuing Vital Programs

We began by discussing the EP&O levy, which is a renewal of the expiring levy, not a new tax. This levy has been part of our community since the 1960s, and it helps fund programs and services that aren’t fully covered by state funding. During the interview, we emphasized that this levy supports essential services like athletics, music programs, school nurses, special education, counselors, and even transportation. If passed, the levy will raise $34.7 million over four years, covering everything from the band and orchestra to our sports teams and support staff.

2024 Bond: Investing in Our Schools’ Future

The conversation then shifted to the bond, which is all about upgrading and replacing aging facilities to provide safe, modern learning environments for our students. We explained how Franklin Elementary, built in 1954, and Port Angeles High School, which dates back to 1953, both are in dire need of replacement and renovation. The bond, totaling $140 million, will fund the construction of a new Franklin Elementary and a new instructional building and renovation of the Performing Arts center at Port Angeles High School. This includes significant improvements to security, such as a single point of entry for better control and monitoring.

Why This Matters

One of the key messages we wanted to get across in the interview is that both the bond and the EP&O levy work together to support different aspects of our district. The EP&O levy funds daily operations and student programs, while the bond focuses on the facilities themselves. Together, they help us ensure that our students have access to both quality programs and safe, modern schools. I also highlighted that these measures are designed to keep the tax rate consistent, as they replace expiring levies. We’re committed to minimizing the burden on local taxpayers while maximizing the benefit to our schools​.

Looking Ahead

As we approach the vote, it’s crucial that we all stay informed and help our community understand what’s at stake. I encourage you to listen to the interview if you haven’t yet and to continue sharing factual, impartial information about the bond and levy. Our goal is to keep the focus on what matters most

Click here to listen to our interview.

Eric and his wife Shauna

What is your role and location with the PASD?

I am the new Head Football Coach for Stevens Middle School.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Oklahoma, but I have lived here for 20 years.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Being able to impact the lives of my players in several different ways. Especially being able to help them stay academically eligible. This is something I have volunteered to do for years, and the fact that I can make a career of it is amazing to me.

Anything you'd like to share about your family?

We are a blended family, with 7 children between my wife and I. 4 of those children have went to, or are currently in the Port Angeles School District. Our youngest son, Jackson, is Autistic, and he goes to the amazing program provided by Drycreek and Robert Stevenson. His entire school experience would be different if it was not for his amazing Paraeducator Robert Ollikainen. Rob has made a drastic impact on Jackson's life and in doing so has given me a soft spot for Paras.

Do you have any hobbies?

I am a gamer when I have time. This includes consoles, the PC, and I have my own arcade at home! I love to read, and I am into movies of all genres. I also have the guilty pleasure of enjoying some reality TV shows because their drama makes me feel better about my life!

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

My perfect day right now would be to coach a football game while my family could attend, then spend the rest of the day doing activities with the family. Nothing specific, any family time is preciou

What is your goal for this year?

To begin the foundation of a new football program at Stevens that will last for years to come. I would also like to coach other sports and help make an impression on the players there.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully, still coaching for Stevens or the school district. I was given this opportunity by Melissa McBride, and my loyalty is to the Middle School. I plan to be here as long as they will have me!

What is a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?

I have a Bachelors Degree in Digital Cinematography and almost have my Masters in Writing for Film, Television, and Media. My overall goal is to eventually be able to teach at the Middle School level and engage the students by teaching them Creative Writing by writing short stories and scripts. I also intend to further my career by working at home as a script writer for Television.

Anything else you'd like to share with your co-workers?

I am a huge advocate for children and sports. I was the one who brought the partnership between the NFL and the YMCA for the NFL Flag summer program which just completed its 8th successful year (there was a 3 year hiatus because of COVID), and I remain the commissioner and a coach. Years ago when Future Riders stopped the Cheer Program and there was a 3 year gap without it, My wife and I formed a 501(c)3 group with Jered & Dawn Reynolds as well as Tricia Perry and we brought cheerleading back for the youth. The group remained even after we stepped down until it was officially re-absorbed by Future Riders once more. I also spent years as a coach with Future Riders as well as a Board Member.

Students at Lincoln High School are honing essential business skills through the hands-on experience of operating the student-run Wildcat Cafe. As part of their learning, they manage various aspects of the cafe, preparing them for future opportunities in the workforce.

The Wildcat Cafe is set to open its doors for a soft opening on September 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center (905 W. 9th St.), kicking off the new school year. Staff members are encouraged to stop by and support this innovative program.

Go, Wildcats!

Last week, AmeriCorps hosted a meaningful 9/11 Day of Remembrance at the 9/11 Memorial Waterfront Park. The day-long event honored the victims of September 11, 2001, with a candle lighting ceremony and contributions from local law enforcement and veterans' groups. AmeriCorps members also dedicated their time to beautifying the park.

Thank you, AmeriCorps, for your leadership and service to our community.

In honor of Resilience Month in October, the Clallam Resilience Project has created Relational Health Resiliency Kits available from PASD Family Navigators, Senior and Community Center, First Step Family Support Center, and on Oct 23rd at the Heritage Center for the Break the Silence Walk. Attached is the worksheet “My Canoe Family” created and designed by Carmen Watson-Charles, Lower Elwha Tribal Member, and the PASD Native American Liaison. My Canoe Family is a worksheet designed to help those who are feeling alone to take a step back and think about who is actually on their life's journey with them.

Don't miss out on these opportunities for your classroom and school buildings. The applications can be found below.

Clallam County School Retirees Association - Due December 1

1. CTE Science Equipment Grant
2. Teacher/Classroom Mini-Grants

Port Angeles Education Foundation Grants - Due October 3

On September 30th, we stand with communities nationwide to honor Indigenous children impacted by residential schools. Orange Shirt Day reminds us that "Every Child Matters", and we're committed to fostering understanding and respect for all students.

Join us by wearing orange and learning more about this important day. For more information, visit www.orangeshirtday.org.

• PAHS Open House - September 24, 6 PM
• Seaview Open House - September 25, 5 PM
• Franklin Open House - September 26, 5: 30 PM (grades K-3), 6:00 PM (grades 4-6)
• School Board Meeting - September 26, 5 PM, Lincoln Center
• Orange Shirt Day - September 30
• Roosevelt Open House - October 3, 5 PM
• Dry Creek Open House - October 3, 5:30 PM
• Jefferson Open House - October 3, 6 PM
• LHS Open House - October 9, 5 PM
• School Board Meeting - October 10, 5 PM, Lincoln Center
• PAHS Homecoming Game - October 18, 6:30 PM, Civic Field
• PAHS Homecoming Dance - 8 PM, PAHS Gym
• PAHS Fall Band Concert - October 22, 7 PM, Auditorium
• PAHS Fall Orchestra Concert - October 23, 7 PM, Auditorium
• PAHS Fall Choir Concert - October 24, 7 PM, Auditorium
• October 29 - November 1: Parent-Teacher Conferences (1/2 day for students)
• November 11: Veterans Day (No School)
• November 27: 1/2 day for students - NO LATE START
• November 28 & 29: Thanksgiving Holiday
• Dry Creek Winter Concert - December 3, 6 PM
• Franklin Orchestra Concert - December 5, 6 PM
• PAHS Holiday Concert - 7 PM
• December 23 - January 3: Winter Break

Port Angeles School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Port Angeles 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: Title IX Coordinators, Civil Rights Compliance Coordinators: Scott Harker, 905 W. 9th Street Port Angeles, WA 98363, (360) 457-8575, sharker@portangelesschools.org, for Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Rhonda Kromm, 905 W. 9th Street Port Angeles, WA 98363, (360) 457-8575, rkromm@portangelesschools.org.