Hopeful tone set at Nespelem school

Despite a rocky start to the new school year, Nespelem School directors were optimistic at their Monday meeting, pointing to new leaders and attitudes in school administration.

The last school year had ended with a flurry of late resignations, including that of then-superintendent and principal John Adkins.

The school was bracing for budget hits as some students would switch to the new school in Coulee Dam. And as of Monday, the person they had planned on teaching fifth grade starting in October, had said she wouldn’t be coming.

Despite that, school board members had some words of encouragement Monday night, saying they had been getting some positive feedback from community members since the Sept. 4 opening day.

Director Jolene Marchand said that although the last year felt like one of “sabotage” in which board members had doubts about administration reports, she now has trust in “the two women sitting here,” new Principal Debra Pankey and Interim Superintendent Mary Hall.

Director Nancy Armstrong-Montes noted their “open and forthright” approach and positive spirit she sees in the classrooms.

Director Annette Moses said parents have commented on Pankey’s openness and personal communications.

Pankey admitted to a very hands-on style, even riding the bus last week to model expected behavior for some students.

“I am so hopeful this year,” teacher Sheri Edwards said, “because we have a new superintendent and a new principal who believe in our students, and they’re making sure that every student is cared for, and starting new programs.”

She noted Pankey’s practice of handing out paper “eagle feathers” to students and staff found doing something good and seeing that students are welcomed at the door each morning.

Directors will need to keep an eye on the budget, however, as enrollment is down, Hall warned. And it typically lowers a little after the first of the year.

Last year’s student count was about 130. The board budgeted for 120 for 2014-15, figuring on some loss to the new school in Coulee Dam.

That may not have been enough of a concession; enrollment was at 110 this week.

“That brand new facility is really enticing,” Hall noted.