Pateros School Board adopts resolutions, approves staff changes, anticipates graduation

PATEROS – School board members approved resolutions dealing with the WIAA, graduation credits, and student well being at their regular meeting on May 24. Also addressed were some staff changes involving sports coaches and teaching positions and renewal of the school’s membership in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA).

District 3 Director Parker Barth who has served on the board since February 2017 announced his resignation.

Teaching staff changes included the resignation of April Ashworth and hiring if first grade teacher Talicia Miller-Poole. Coaching changes included the resignation of long-time head football coach Marcus Stennes and approval of a one-year leave of absence for Stennes from his role as head junior high track coach.

Shane Kelly will not be returning at the head varsity wrestling coach and the board approved the transfer of Cindy Cavazos as interim head varsity wrestling coach. Eric Romero was approved as temporary head junior high track coach. Tom Asmussen resigned as head junior high girls’ basketball coach.

Resolution approvals included the annual renewal of school membership in the WIAA, Academic and Student Well-Being Plan - required by the state legislature and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for receipt of Covid Stimulus III funds – and waiver of high school graduation credit.

Graduation ceremonies will be held on the school football field at 7 p.m., June 4 and feature a senior slideshow. Those activities will follow a 5:45 p.m. vehicle parade through downtown.

Reporting at his final board meeting before his retirement, principal Mike Hull said the school’s secondary staff continues to focus on making students comfortable and safe during the transition to full-time school. Among the activities scheduled are:

● Welcome back lunch barbecue.

● Spirit Week class competitions.

● Spring Fling dance with 60 kids attending.

● Teen Night with 70-plus kids attending.

In addition, elementary students have a Play Day coming up and the junior high will view local history during a walking field trip tour of the town.

The next regular meeting of the Pateros school board is at 6 p.m., Monday, June 28.