New app helps students learn Lushootseed language

La Conner School District board members met March 28 in a hybrid meeting to discuss changes coming to the school and even a new app.

The board anticipates extending its high school Lushootseed language education program to the eighth grade. To help facilitate that, they unanimously approved use of grant funding to purchase a software app designed to increase Lushootseed proficiency.

“We’ll be using technology that younger folks are used to,” Superintendent Will Nelson said.

“Having that app,” added board president Susie Deyo, “will be very helpful. I’m looking forward to seeing a demo for this.”

District Director of Special Programs Andy Wheeler said their goal is to have it ready for fall semester.

Other changes are coming.

The board formally approved resolutions contracting the district with Progressive Roofing for restoration work on the roofs of the high school and Landy James Gym buildings. Installation of the wall panel siding on the gym will cost just over $1.1 million.

Redrawing director district boundaries based on population changes indicated in the 2020 census is needed, said Nelson, a necessity every 10 years.

“We will work on it when we’re ready to move on to the next stage and they’ll help us with the resolution language,” he said.

District Finance Director Brian Gianello said the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted school enrollment figures statewide. La Conner has been no exception.

The student full time equivalent (FTE) number has dipped from 563 to 536 this year. That can be explained by students graduating early or opting for alternative education programs, said Christine Tripp, the middle and high school principal.

She said incentives are in place now to both bolster attendance and challenge all students to continue growing academically.

“We have a lot of marketing to do with attendance,” Nelson acknowledged.

The board saluted the girls’ basketball team for winning the Northwest 2B District championship this year and placing fourth at the state Hardwood Classic in Spokane.

“This is a huge accomplishment,” Deyo said, “and we want to officially recognize them.”

Members also paid tribute to student board representative Delaney Cobbs, the Skagit Valley Herald Girls’ Wrestler of the Year, and Sarah Cook the Herald’s Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year.

“We want to recognize you after all your years of practice,” said Deyo. “It’s a great accomplishment to be selected from all the competition in Skagit County. It’s a great honor.”

Cook was accompanied by family members, including her grandfather, Marvin Wilbur, Sr., a standout player on La Conner’s 1956 State B Tournament team. He later excelled at Skagit Valley College.

“We’re very proud of her,” Wilbur said. “Thank you, board, for her recognition.”