WA Legislature continues work, as SB moves school planning ahead

Community members and staff working on building concept design with architects

The South Bend School District and a team of community members are working hard on plans for a new South Bend elementary school, with the hope of state capital budget dollars coming to fruition in the next several weeks. [see previous story, "Senate capital budget proposes $7.7 million to South Bend Schools"] As the second special session of the Washington State Legislature moves closer to its June 21 deadline, the likelihood of a third special session becomes more probable. Even so, the school district is not taking this opportunity lightly, and is moving ahead to be ready when the special funding is finalized.

Since the beginning of the first special session called by Governor Inslee back in May, there has been relatively no information coming from behind the closed door negotiations of lawmakers. All we really know at this point is what we knew at the beginning: 1) South Bend is identified in the Senate capital budget to receive $7.7 million dollars for elementary school construction; 2) legislators from both the Democrat and Republican caucuses, in both the Senate and House, support our need; 3) we must be ready to move forward when the funding is approved.

After forming a community-based facility committee, the school district engaged Tovani-Hart Architects of Olympia to assist in preliminary planning, and we have been meeting on a regular basis since April. At our first meeting, the committee considered all possible options to site the new elementary school, with the goal of finding the most cost effective location to best serve our needs. The second meeting consisted of the first phase of concept design, where the group organized individual school spaces into a model that fits on the site.

Some of the challenges in determining a site is remembering the various needs of the campus.  For instance, the current elementary contains the only cafeteria for K-12. With this in mind, it becomes clear a new school needs to be built close enough to the 7-12 school so that food service can continue in an efficient manner. We also need to align a new school within close proximity to gym space and school bus access. Even the idea of sunlight comes into play, making sure we build a school with maximum exposure. And, of course, distance to utilities is important when considering development costs.

Sample mockup showing scale building areas

With these and many other considerations in mind, the committee is looking at a site toward the west end of the current elementary building that could accomodate a partial 2-story design.

Our next meeting is June 27 when we will finalize concept development to prepare for our July 10 meeting to align final scope and budget.  All of this work culminates with our July 25 school board meeting to approve a bond resolution to go to voters in November, as the Pacific County Auditor requires the bond resolution by August 1. The bond proposal will make up the difference between state capital funding, state construction match funding, and actual building cost. As funding becomes solidified and design progresses, we will be engaging the larger community for ideas and feedback. It is important the community has a voice in such an essential component of our district.

The potential funding included in the Senate capital budget is vital to us in South Bend. As we have explained throughout the time leading up to this point, South Bend's low assessed property values make it impossible for the community to replace our nearly 70 year old building on our own. Though the district has taken good care of the building for seven decades, the infrastructure is beyond its designed life.  Our school floods and is not built to modern seismic codes.  It is certainly time to rebuild.

We are thankful for the leadership of both Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature who understand our problem and who are working to provide needed assistance.

We will continue to update the public as work progresses.  If you have questions, please contact Superintendent Jon Tienhaara at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org

2017 Wall of Fame Inductees Announced

South Bend School District is pleased to announce the 2017 Inductees for the South Bend School District Wall of Fame.  The Wall of Fame induction ceremony will be Saturday evening, September 9, 2017 at the Chamber of Commerce building in South Bend, Wa.

The 2017 inductees include:

Della Taylor

Steve Koplitz

John Thompson

1956 Boys Basketball Team

1963 Boys Track Team

1972 Boys Basketball Team

South Bend High School Badminton Program

The Wall of Fame will also be named, "Ben B. Cheney Wall of Fame".

As we are trying to locate team members, please feel free to reach out to people you know who were members of these teams.  Team rosters for the basketball teams and track team are below.  

More information on the 2017 Inductees and ceremony will follow in the coming months.

1956 Basketball Team                              1972 Basketball Team

Tom McCutchan                                          Ed Jouper

Mike Horne                                                  Mike Carl

Leroy Nevers                                               Ollie St. Clair

Bob Lorentson                                             Doug Blakely

LeRoy Johnson                                           Mike Bailey

Marv Clements                                            Mike Taylor

Jerry Coma                                                  Phil Davis

Don Newton                                                 Dan Cearns

Doug Petit                                                    Gordy Lynn

Mel Frank                                                     Mike Morris

Jim Coulter – Mgr.                                        Steve Koplitz

Dick Mason – Head Coach                          Don Koplitz - Head Coach

Bill Peterson – Asst. Coach                         Dick McGovern, Asst. Coach

1963 Track Team

George Esveldt

Dave Lentz

Arnold Ariss

Dennis Wasberg

Don Kaye

Kurt Esveldt

Jim Remington

Armine Mullins

Mike Stearns

Don Lagergren

Larry Hill

John Moseley

Leonard Smith

Jim Barnum

Sam Shattuck

Rich Pearson

Bob Ogilvie

Norton Moe

John Barnum

Sam Lunke

Terry Rhoades

Jeff Stearns

Dan Needham

Harry Trask

Greg Ginther

Terry Lorentson

Steve Newton

Doug Patterson

Don Prior

Ron Beatty

Don Weisel – Head Coach

Coach Smethers – Asst. Coach

Opening for Elementary Special Education Teacher

South Bend School District is accepting applications for an elementary special education teacher.

For questions about the position or to apply, please contact Superintendent Jon Tienhaara at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org

Diane Farrell retiring from South Bend: "It has been great..."

Secretary Diane Farrell retires from SB at the end of this school year

Those of us who work in schools quickly learn the office secretaries are the lifeblood of the building. On a daily basis, they work to keep all of us on track and moving forward. We depend on them and they are indispensable to our mission.

Next month on June 23, South Bend School District loses an "institution" of the high school office, as long-time employee Diane Farrell retires.

When I sat down with Diane last week to interview her for this blog post, I knew our conversation would be bitter-sweet. After all, after 16 years in the secretary chair, having impacted countless lives--students, parents, and staff alike--one just doesn't turn off the lights and walk out the door.  At least, not Diane, who lives as an impeccable example of service to our students, parents, and staff. That being said, I am very happy for Diane as she prepares to begin this next phase of life.

As one who prides herself in knowing each student by name, knowing the spelling of each student's name, and staying in tune with student needs, it is clear student well-being is a top

priority for Diane. "Diane has so many qualities, but one of her greatest may be her compassion," says Jason Nelson, South Bend High School Principal. "Diane has a strong desire to reach out to those in need, and does everything in her power to take care of our students and families." "Her giving and caring nature is what makes her special," says Nelson.

When I asked Diane what she will miss most, she quickly describes her daily interactions with kids. "I make it a priority to say something nice to every student I come into contact with each day," says Diane. "I have watched these kids grow up and I think it's important to show our students we are truly interested in them." "I will miss being a part of their lives here at school."

Staff also benefit from Diane's watchful eye and keen sense of knowing when to help. "Diane cares about each and every student and staff member," says math teacher Jackie Sanchez, "she does such an incredible job taking care of all of us, which isn't always an easy thing!" "Diane is my friend, always so kind, and so smart," says Sanchez. As special education and attendance secretary, Diane is depended upon to ensure both areas are logistically sound and organized. Retired South Bend Principal Mike Rogers noted, "In both the daily routine and in special projects, Diane worked in a manner with attention to detail, a great sense of humor, and a tactful style." "I can't count how many times I would say, "what do you think, Diane?," commented Rogers.  Her depth of knowledge and ability to understand the ins and outs of the school office are invaluable. Principal Jason Nelson agrees, "Diane's intelligence, work ethic, and foresight make her an integral part of the South Bend School District." "We are all going to miss her, but she has certainly earned her retirement."

As Diane and I continued our conversation, she praised her working relationship with fellow secretary, Susie Williams. "Susie is simply wonderful," she says. "Her positive attitude and care are second to none." "Working with Susie has been one of the most quality relationships in my life, I am really going to miss working each day with her."

Diane hasn't always worked for South Bend. Prior to coming in 2001, she worked as a secretary for Principal Paul Furchert of the Raymond School District. "I was actually a school board member in Raymond for 12 years," recalls Diane. "Mr. Furchert hired me as a secretary and taught me how to do the job." "That was a great experience, but I've never regretted coming to South Bend." "When (Superintendent) Nick Johnson hired me, he asked if I would "bleed maroon and gold after a year," she laughed. "I can tell you, I certainly do." Diane started as a secretary in the South Bend preschool, before moving to work for Mike Rogers in the high school office. "I really enjoyed working for Mr. Rogers."  "When you work for one principal for many years, you worry when they retire and you have a new boss coming in," she says. "I have to admit I was concerned when Mr. Rogers retired." "But, Jason Nelson has been great to work for these past many years." Mr. Nelson, now in his seventh year as South Bend High School Principal says, "Diane possesses an unmatched work ethic." "She always puts in the time necessary to make sure the job is not only done well, but that it is done to perfection," he says. "She has been essential to our office."

As Diane reflected on her years in the high school office, she mentioned the "South Bend Way". "Well, I credit Mike Rogers for teaching me that back when I started in his office," she said. "The South Bend Way is the way we do things in a manner that promotes pride in our community and schools," she says. "It's how we develop our students to be responsible and contributing adults, it's how we do our best for those we serve, it's how we do business." As I listened, I admired her conviction and dedication to our school district.  Diane's years as an employee embody the South Bend Way, doing her job with pride and always striving to do her best for others. It is employees like Diane that make a difference, and she has made a big difference in the lives of many.

Diane is excited to begin retired life with her husband Dean, who retires from Weyerhaeuser in early June. "We plan to take our motor home to Alaska for a few months as soon as I'm done," she says. "We have lifelong friends who will be making the trip with us and we are very excited." After her trip north, Diane looks forward to spending more time with her three grandchildren, ages 9, 8, and 6.

I consider it a privilege to have been able to work with Diane during my three years as Superintendent. Diane ranks among the best I have worked with--dedicated and loyal. I enjoyed sitting with Diane for just about an hour as I listened to her thoughts and memories of working in South Bend. As we concluded our conversation, Diane was quite humble, always thinking of others. With a tear in her eye, as she looked across the street toward the high school, she said, "I could never say enough about the people in that building." "South Bend teachers are amazing, the staff are amazing, it has been great to be a part of it."

From all of us at South Bend School District, best of luck Diane on your retirement!  You will be missed by us all.