Dave Cram takes the oath as school superintendent

In preparation for becoming interim superintendent of the La Conner School District, Dave Cram took the oath of office during the district’s board of directors meeting Monday and he did not stop there. The school board methodically and unanimously passed seven resolutions authorizing Cram to sign ­documents, invest funds, pay bills and designating him as agent and auditing officer and more.

Board President Susie Deyo told Cram, “You are official. On July first, you have all the authority of the school district. Have fun.”

Deyo had first recognized ­retiring staff members Linda Pierson, 23 years; Linda Sovie, 21 years; Barbara Wolf, 18 years; and Jennifer Moyer, 7 years.

Middle and High school ­Principal Christine Tripp ­highlighted the more than 100 volunteers who support students in a wide variety of ways, including in math, science, drama, sports and on field trips. They had their names listed on the board room’s front screen.

The board heard a report and passed a resolution for the state’s Office of Superintendent of ­Public Instruction-mandated campus building inventory to assess their conditions. A grant pays the consultants. The ­information is used as a baseline to allocate state funding to school districts.

A donation of $1,374 raised through a car wash from the La Conner Booster Club paid for an eighth-grade field trip to a trampoline park and Chick-Fil-A in Marysville.

Beth Clothier, the district’s director of teaching and learning, recommended a new high school math textbook to replace the current 1990s schoolbook. Staff had recommended and agreed to the choice. A grant pays 80% of its cost.

Elementary School Principal Heather Fakkema discussed the transitional kindergarten ­survey that has already brought 10 parental responses. The survey will be promoted through June. The goal is to have 13 to 15 4-year-olds enrolled by Aug. 31. She reported that next year’s kindergarten enrollment is at 29 and called it a “great number” this early.

Clothier and Tripp summarized that eighth graders were making their state required exit presentations in cohorts of six, including two trusted adults, covering their school interests, career goals and a host of other topics.

Tripp said 47 eighth graders will graduate in June. She reported that 40 high school seniors will make the flight to Disneyland, a Sunday-Monday trip.

Student Board Representative Taylor Rae Cayou was recognized by Deyo for her two years on the board. Cayou reflected that a conference trip to Spokane with Deyo was a highlight and that her time was a “really good experience.”

Josi Straathof, another high school senior and representative on the board, was unable to attend.

Two new student representatives will be chosen in September.

Clothier announced the district is switching website platforms and testing the new one now.

Next board meetings are June 10 for a study session and June 24 for a retreat.

Former school board member Lynette Cram attended her husband’s swearing in. Deyo presented her with flowers at the end of the meeting.

Superintendent Will Nelson was absent Monday. Deyo noted he will also miss the June meetings. His last day is June 30.