The Centralia city school board recognized this year’s retirees at its June meeting on Tuesday, awarding each departing staff member with a clock honoring their years of service to the district. Four retirees were honored this year: Fourth grade teacher Michelle Lammers, district purchasing agent Debbie Redfeairn, Junior High cook Gloria Hardy, and home to school Liaison Kathy Donnelly. Board president Ron Johnson had kind words for each retiree, thanking them for their contributions to the district and wishing them the best.
In the same meeting, the board welcomed an important new staff member to the district. Lance Boldt, the new Centralia Junior High School Principal, had his hiring approved by the school board and was present to sign his paperwork in person as soon as the motion was approved. Boldt, originally from the Centralia area, brings over sixteen years of experience in education, having previously worked at Mount Vernon High School as a teacher and coach, and at Lawrenceville High School as building principal. Boldt is happy to be returning to Centralia and hopes to be a supportive figure for students and teachers at CJHS.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” Boldt said. “Coming back to this area, my wife and I and the family are pretty pumped about it. I’ve heard lots of great things about Mr. Clark and the school board, the teachers and the job they’ve done at the Junior High. All I want to do is be there for them, support them, and give them everything they need to have a successful classroom and be there for the kids.”
In the curriculum report, Christine Becker reported that preliminary IAR test scores show improvement across the board in English language arts for students that were tested. Math remains an area of struggle for many students, and Becker says that math will be the next area of focus. The plan is to transition the district into a new math program that teachers feel more closely meets the needs of students while still meeting rigorous state standards.
In other action, the board approved a four-year contract with the city of Centralia for the appointment of a school resource officer. The board also approved the purchase and installation of sound systems for both Jordan and Central School at a cost of $16,324 each. Also approved was the installation of ceilings in Central School classrooms by A and K Specialty Contractors at a cost of $37,800.
Superintendent Craig Clark reported the final enrollment numbers, which showed the district stayed even from August. At the end of the year there were 254 students at Schiller, 227 students at Jordan, 210 students at Central and 339 students at CJHS, for a total 1030 students in the district.
The board accepted two coaching resignations: Doug Hargis as boys’ basketball and seventh grade boys’ track coach, and Ryan Miller as boy’s baseball coach.
New CJHS principal Boldt addressing the school board after signing his contract
