School board retreat reflects on district's gains

While budget woes have gotten much attention at La Conner Schools lately, those concerns were balanced by a long list of district celebrations cited at the school board’s summer retreat last Wednesday.

Second-year superintendent Will Nelson cited key achievements realized during 2022-2023. He noted that the district piloted a secondary level mastery-based learning program, saw middle school science instructor Maddie Huscher named regional teacher of the year, began implementing the research-based Universal Design for Learning framework that addresses multiple student learning styles and introduced various initiatives intended to foster equity in the classroom.

The Little Braves Pre-School enjoyed a successful year, district teachers completed increased professional development hours, social/emotional learning strategies have been employed, efforts were initiated to increase arts instruction at the elementary, new math curricula was launched, the high school volleyball team and Braves’ hurdler Tommy Murdock won state championships and the girls’ basketball team finished fourth, he said.

Nelson said school leaders received valuable input during a series of 10 “candid conversations” with district stakeholders during the school year.

Nelson said that Clarissa Williams, the new cultural community liaison counselor, “has helped us to create engaging events to help people recognize that they’re represented here at La Conner School District.”

In response, board member John Agen suggested and received consensus agreement that Williams be invited to regularly attend board sessions.

Nelson added that work was completed on roof and siding upgrades to campus buildings.

“I think there’s some positive news here,” board president Susie Deyo responded.

More was to come.

Teaching and Learning Assistance Director Beth Clothier said that student math scores are improving with adoption of the new math curricula.

“It was hard work,” Clothier acknowledged. “The elementary (staff) is exhausted.” Students in grades K-5 work at math 90 minutes per school day, she said.

Clothier said the district’s goal is development of well-rounded students who are lifelong learners with skill sets that can meet changing market trends and community needs.

She presented to the board copies of “A Portrait of a La Conner Learner,” which supports aligning learning standards to promote enhanced communication, literacy and higher order critical thinking problem-solving abilities for all students.

“We are making gains with our equity work,” Clothier said.