Colfax board approves bond issue delegation

The Colfax School board Monday night approved a delegation for the bond issue approved by voters in February, hiring of new teachers, and an $8,000 grant from Safeway and more.

Jim McNeill of Spokane’s Foster Pepper law firm gave a presentation on the bond delegation. McNeill, who has worked for the district as its bond/levy attorney for 27 years, took the board through the process of what the delegation would do.

“This isn’t something you do every day, but it’s something I do every day,” he said.

McNeill explained that a delegation authorizes Superintendent Jerry Pugh, or Business Manager Reece Jenkin, to make decisions related to the final terms of the bond sale. The sale will take place May 30 in Seattle.

McNeill also reminded the board or their family members not to buy the bonds once issued because it would violate insider trading laws.

The board approved the delegation, signing forms handed out by McNeill.

Pugh saluted the district’s hiring committee for their work evaluating and interviewing applicants to fill staff openings caused by retirements and departure.

Pugh also noted that Wes Claassen was recognized April 25 at an Educational Service District 101 dinner in Spokane for his work as the district’s levy and bond committee chair.

Pugh introduced Stephanie McNeilly, a newly hired Jennings Elementary teacher who lives in Colfax but previously worked in St. John.

Additional new staff approved were Andrew Penwell, Social Studies teacher, Molly McNeil, also a Social Studies teacher and head volleyball coach, and Jordan McGrath, English/Language Arts teacher.

“This year we have had candidates that applied here because they want to raise their kids in Colfax,” Pugh commented.

The board also accepted the resignation of part-time art teacher Henry Stinson.

An approval followed for an $8,000 grant received from Safeway, applied for by sixth-grade teacher Carey Fulfs, to use to buy Chromebooks for her class.

Colfax High School junior Kylie Kackman gave the ASB report, listing softball, baseball and golf updates and Mr. Bulldog results: 614 food items brought in for the Colfax Pantry, Chris Jones crowned the winner and runners-up Dane Hall and Tucker Gleason. Kackman noted the jazz band’s first-place finish at the Northwest Jazz Festival May 5 in Gresham, Ore., and a group of placers at the Washington State FFA convention in Pullman. She concluded with comments that the ASB is working on a film festival in which students may submit videos they’ve made.

Newly-elected ASB officers for 2018-19 are led by Carson Cloaninger, ASB president and Gunnar Aune, Vice President.

Next was which who will hand out diplomas at graduation June 2.

“How ‘bout all of us?” asked one.

It was soon confirmed, all would be there – David Nails, Robert Smith, Brian Becker, Terry Huber and Jennifer Hauser.