Lind, Ritzville School Boards approve athletic co-op with Kahlotus - Ritzville School District sells bonds for upcoming remodel

The Lind and Ritzville School Board members unanimously approved to allow the Kahlotus School District to join in the athletic cooperative. The decision came at the conclusion of the Boards’ regular meeting on May 22 in Lind.

The Kahlotus School District will be responsible for paying a fifth of the costs involved with athletics.

Athletic Director Greg Whitmore said they will be expected to pay that amount, even if they do not have students participating in every sport.

For the upcoming year, Kahlotus will remain in the athletic cooperative with LaCrosse and Washtucna for high school volleyball, but intend on combining with Lind-Ritzville/Sprague for the remainder of sports.

Whitmore explained there is the potential they will be able to continue girls basketball and softball within their district next year, but plan to participate in the remainder of high school and middle school sports.

The Boards also approved Policy No. 3122, regarding excused and unexcused absences. The policy will be implemented during the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Matt Ellis informed the Boards of the sale of the Ritzville School District bonds. The bonds sold of $2.52, when the bonds were projected to sell at $2.81.

The reduction in the rate will save taxpayers money, Ellis said, and is a desirable rate for the District.

He announced the district has also been approved to receive the 90 percent state match moneys for the remodel project at Lind-Ritzville High School, which is expected to total over $4.3 million.

In preparation for the projects at Ritzville Grade School, Ellis explained teachers are working on moving their classroom belongings into the gym at the conclusion of the school year.

The work at the facility will begin during the summer months.

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards also welcomed the addition of two student representatives.

Crystal Silva will serve as the student representative for the Lind School District for the upcoming year, while Emma Aldrich will represent the Ritzville School District.

Ritzville Grade School Principal Tom Arlt explained he has been meeting with the Warden Hutterian Brethren, due to Title 1/LAP federal funding requiring school districts to meet with private schools in the area.

The meetings have led to discussions regarding an exchange between the districts, such as providing technology classes for Hutterian students, while the Warden-based school could assist with funding opportunities for the area school districts.

Arlt said he intends to continue meeting with the Warden Hutterian Brethren superintendent to discuss opportunities for the district’s students.

Ritzville Public Library Director Kylie Fullmer provided a brief update surrounding construction at the library, and explained the elevator installation would be completed during the upcoming week.

The installation of the elevator is the last major portion of the construction, and Fullmer explained all of the work is expected to end in June.

After the completion of construction, the library staff will move back into the facility and out of the Lind-Ritzville High School library.

Fullmer expressed her gratitude to the Boards for the use of the space, and said the interaction with students has helped improve the accessibility and interest in library programs for students.

The library is now focusing on the six week DayCamp being held in Lind over the summer, and Lind will also serve as a meal and literacy site, Fullmer explained.

In Ritzville, the library staff members are gearing up to start the annual Summer Reading Program.

Josh Knodel provided the Community Connection update for the monthly meeting, discussing the ways the Lind Lions Club interacts and assists with school programs and students.

Knodel explained the primary interaction between the club and the schools are students volunteering at Lions Club sponsored events, such as the Combine Demolition Derby.

He explained the Lind Lions Club donates between $10-12,000 a year to school sponsored events and activities.

Knodel said there are more opportunities for the club and the schools to interact, and he encouraged student groups to use club dinners as a fundraising event.

The dinners provide an opportunity for students to interact with new people of various age groups, Knodel explained, and help to teach professionalism while allowing the students to raise money for their group.

The purpose of the Lind Lions Club is to give back to the community, Knodel stated, and the group continues to offer a $750 scholarship for area students.

The next Lind and Ritzville School Boards meeting is June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritzville Grade School.