School Board Directors Beasley and Szurek recognized

At its monthly meeting Monday, the La Conner School District Directors congratulated their high school’s state volleyball championship and then recognized outgoing Directors Janie Beasley and Kate Szurek with a board resolution.

Together, the resolution stated, they have served 20 years on the board, Beasley since 2004 and Szurek since 2015. The resolution names specific contributions the two made to the school district and honors them for their involvement in school policy at the state and national levels. It ends with the Directors offering their “grateful and heartfelt thanks for the efforts, contributions, and fellowship that Directors Beasley and Szurek have so freely given this District and this Board.”

Only the volleyball team sung the school fight song, however.

The team was recognized for winning their second in a row state volleyball title. Athletic Director Kathy Herrera also announced their, and the junior high team’s, academic prowess: both teams, as well as individuals in a variety of fall sports team, made all academic in the league. Exiting, the champions shook hands with board members and superintendent Whitney Meissner.

The volleyball team and supporters were the biggest contingent in a room that was mostly full at the meeting’s start but gradually emptied as students and staff were recognized for activities and as recent hires.

The board heard from staff from the law firm K&L Gates before voting to prepare the District to refund bonds issued in 2013. The resolution they passed authorizes Meissner to move forward when refunding at market conditions that may provide $1.25 million in savings to the District.

The Board also approved a fines, fees and miscellaneous wages schedule that will, among other changes, allow students in all grades free admittance to sporting events. Grade 6-12 students need an ASB card to get in free.

All resolutions were approved unanimously.

This was Beasley and Szurek’s last meeting. They lost their positions in November’s elections to Marlys Baker and John Agen. The new directors will be sworn in when the board meets in December, with continuing Directors Lynette Cram and Susan Deyo, also elected in November. Brad Smith is the fifth director.