[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6466187,"mediaKeyId","5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744","parentId",5825529,"title","Valley Academy opens new building, expands programs and enrollment, district leaders say","audioSeconds",843,"startMs",750000,"endMs",1593000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744&start=750&end=1593","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744/thumbnail_750000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6466187/Washington/Valley-Academy-opens-new-building-expands-programs-and-enrollment-district-leaders-say","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466187-54343d3a3e9401ad2767229d5a3d3f1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775105911&Signature=m-MFL8ct7PUYgflXgJvrmdkF-8ND1goQnjYpC0cyJdcU0NXjivDpZbe5Fe2P8yyGoJUg5dhA8rmO2HtNwWG--98XBo46F-upU~ZBRS3WDvSV2A8Gazj6iyxvSsPsqKn6mhuiKPv3aG6eiE2aAv70KjAbSMhH0zjwU~Pz7iRUD1evVlgpzPQob1vzPGXjtamTCt4hM6gMS0J6fnP93lu2kQq2VVV8Aau2U9~Yd1f57qLM78OVBtZyl4pCnrEBLMx~CSY6A6s6zm7xQTKJIPWHgPTKP2T8HrJnPCzrxPokydDQGoQCrf47Rt2vomGoAnr-woYcdgOuRp1o1GZJtbgU6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wenatchee School District, Washington","date","2025-09-24T16:41:37.553Z","article","District staff and family representatives described the transition of Valley Academy of Learning into a new, larger building and outlined program expansions and enrollment growth at a school board meeting.

Shelly Gelsing, director of programs at Valley Academy, said staff worked through a busy summer to unpack and prepare classrooms. She reported full‑time‑equivalent (FTE) enrollment rose from about 174 when she started to 188.41 the prior year and to roughly 286 FTE in the current year. “We have definitely been increasing in our numbers,” Gelsing said.

Gelsing outlined new and continuing programs: a Valley High School program that enrolled 22 students this year (most full time); a Mustang Link mixed classroom primarily for grades 1–2 that uses a one‑room‑schoolhouse model; part‑time kindergarten (14 hours per week on the learning plan: six hours at school and eight hours at home); and an online program led by one teacher to serve students not in traditional models.

Students and parents also presented during the update. Seventh‑grader Aurelia Fermancic told the board she appreciates choosing classes and learning at her own pace at Valley. Fourth‑grader Liliana Fermancic said the new building has a gym and cafeteria space and more windows.

Shane Rennie, director for special education, described the logistical work to move the district’s transition program into the Columbia campus, thanking custodial, facilities and nutrition staff for routing, keys and meal planning. He credited teacher Beth Sykes and the program team for interior planning and called the new classrooms “stepping stones to real life.” Rennie and Gelsing said the program includes community partners who provide coaching and training and that families are reporting increased independence and confidence among students.

Board members thanked staff and partners but did not vote on any new policy or funding for Valley Academy during the presentation. Staff said phase two planning is underway.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wenatchee School District Board Meeting 9/23/25","oneSentenceSummary","Valley Academy of Learning moved into a new facility, increased enrollment and launched new programs including a high school program and a mixed‑grade \"Mustang Link\" classroom, district staff told the board.","taxTitle","Wenatchee School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",38568,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6466191,"Wenatchee principals honored for growth in low‑income and special‑education students",74,229000,303000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744&start=229&end=303","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744/thumbnail_229000.jpg","/articles/6466191/Washington/Wenatchee-principals-honored-for-growth-in-lowincome-and-specialeducation-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466191-ab546dc117334b4187ab4f1d1e79064a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775105911&Signature=oBbNaeTmN74VZFhBkwfJiech1OQ-85syd1zp3C92U0nk4pgw4L35o5DHLNE2c-zSYgPzKGtF3rvg2TxNbRkAeTFsBJMjnzFmqgsDalgeNEEd-nGMKCIEz1-QWuUfEVo069jX1SrF9KIV-im-H6WGDhRE72-3NfKh6cFqVNbFXXf8zWUQaJlRqqiow91C~iIcjgW1qACGWP5R7--Jn0i-LNnG~c9eibZE1au~S71vrAbNFAdQ3Ihm3P9lDouw1t2IrcA6G7stwJQdyctElLyMOQd5CBAEm30qUrpi2dlwKnQGD21DES-~JoNKkELKVV4-9zCpOf6JMAqwkPYyOLyLAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wenatchee School District Board of Directors recognized Sunnyslope Elementary School and Foothills Middle School for measurable student growth during the 2023–24 school year, district leaders said during the board’s “Bright Spots” segment.

The recognition comes from the Washington State School Recognition Program and highlights Foothills for academic growth among low‑income students and Sunnyslope for growth among students with low socioeconomic status and students receiving special‑education services.

District leaders said closing achievement gaps required “intentional, strong tier 1 academic support” plus tier 2 and tier 3 interventions. Principal Craig Allen accepted the Foothills recognition and Superintendent Corey (last name not specified) noted the schools’ work amid schedule changes last year. Principal Lance Young, representing Sunnyslope, said the school focuses on reviewing resources and staffing to maximize student support. “We’re constantly analyzing all the resources and staffing we have and analyzing are we best using them and leveraging them to serve our kids,” Young said.

Allen described the district’s use of student data to shape interventions. “It is the flexible use of data in response to the data, getting to know the students across the board, their personal needs, their home needs, their academic needs, and being flexible and creative with how we’re using staffing to address those needs,” he said.

Board members applauded the schools and noted the recognition underscores district priorities to close achievement gaps. The board did not take any formal action related to the recognitions during the meeting.

The awards were described as based on data from the 2023–24 school year; no additional performance metrics or state evaluation documents were presented at the meeting.","The Wenatchee School District recognized Sunnyslope Elementary and Foothills Middle School for student growth in targeted subgroups during the 2023–24 school year, district leaders said at a board meeting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6466177,"Wenatchee School Board approves consent agenda and six policy second readings",2491,154000,2645000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744&start=154&end=2645","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744/thumbnail_154000.jpg","/articles/6466177/Washington/Wenatchee-School-Board-approves-consent-agenda-and-six-policy-second-readings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466177-637b85b7dbcb0b96f1d751a038f33db1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775105911&Signature=ZWU-UhstTMMep9-UTYbus7kxhojJaeUQdo4JYQg4ZM6perZcTucR6TfRff8rCiVRnQT6s9p5mAli6092A1i0C7Odt25SKfqveQHc6OoVq1O6WkmveyUkqao1YdEfDxX~r-3OXeQNDiJ185qym9aMhSPJG77tojxx3PMKlaD4nTdkwq~9yhnrUs5~u2NXKBT5nfb56OforAbSBTsI1nWjWPNGgYaWvyj8EcsVlSlaopXf11pDGQtCqq3uRhQ8-J1Z8COIAMj-7vZkXowlqOa9mZQYfdwU4i9Ejho0Dkwr6266eLQvTGf8m-4M3xD3pXgnbGQIe8WrU0kgI2R447GNEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wenatchee School District Board of Directors approved the consent agenda and the second reading of six district policies at the meeting; both motions passed unanimously by voice vote.

Consent agenda: Board member Maria moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by board member Mark. The consent agenda included minutes from the regular meeting, vouchers and payroll, the personnel report, surplus report, contracts (including one contract added to the consent), field trips and the July financial report. The board chair called for discussion; hearing none, members voted “aye” and the motion carried.

Policies: The board took a second reading on six policies listed on the agenda. A motion to approve the second reading of policies 2020, 2021, 3206, 5011, 6580 and 6801 (as numbered on the agenda) was moved by Maria and seconded by Martin. The board voted “aye”; none opposed and the motion carried.

Vote details recorded in the meeting transcript show both motions were moved, seconded and adopted by unanimous voice vote; no roll‑call tallies were provided.","The Wenatchee School District Board approved the consent agenda and unanimously passed second readings on six policies at the meeting; motions were moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6466182,"Wenatchee Valley Museum outlines plan to convert former Valley Academy into expanded museum; groundbreaking planned for 2026",643,1801000,2444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744&start=1801&end=2444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825529-189c9ddf672acacbcc0c2cedf6643744/thumbnail_1801000.jpg","/articles/6466182/Washington/Wenatchee-Valley-Museum-outlines-plan-to-convert-former-Valley-Academy-into-expanded-museum-groundbreaking-planned-for-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466182-d6cc85aa136b2522b360348517ca66d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775105911&Signature=nBkji~uhE8oQdh6XvnmMePKcM3AX3TRM8AdLn7Fz9Ik42OGvTdzLG-HdTrJai0uVuRBx1phpAYENpj-~DvTEhCE5kqA0VF7nUKH1Oyvm11TVbVWKeEIS~Vbed-woz5HI7eqq~semc-RdsZQStq7~8rhxjegaHNGFW4Z1VMcRNOJsOGrZhLBMenLAzxymF~dAM-n6pZxoJQrz02Jsk5eg1oh4qwd2iNw4f6E4qNa9lIFBvx-h4xiAGf8m~q9cFPq6G-PMK8gt-JCK3CBxK1dzdMWrhqOg~XecWofTbc35Hu0TxYW9GVe5o1egyuNDLWnS3edmxgZ16iz1Kffa-bFw3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mariah Thornock, executive director of the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, presented a multiphase capital plan to the Wenatchee School District board that includes leasing the former Valley Academy facility, building a new plaza and a new front entrance toward Centennial Park, and constructing immersive, bilingual exhibits.

Thornock said the museum serves roughly 60,000 people annually, about 40% of them students, and that the existing building has accessibility and capacity limitations. The proposed design would shift the primary entrance to Wenatchee Avenue and Centennial Park, add an accessible ramp and plaza for school buses and events, and create a new lobby connecting two historic post‑office buildings.

Planned features include a re‑sited children’s area called Coyote’s Corner close to the entrance, an interactive “coming down the river” hydropower exhibit, an ice‑age immersive theater, a valley gallery with local history, bilingual exhibits co‑curated with the Colville Confederated Tribes, classrooms and maker space for after‑school STEM and robotics programs, an art gallery and a workforce‑training café in partnership with the Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center. Thornock said the museum has more than 100,000 items in its collection and needs additional storage and climate‑controlled spaces to protect artifacts.

Thornock said the project is dependent on funding and planning approvals; the museum is targeting a 2026 groundbreaking. “Groundbreaking will happen in 2026,” she said, adding the schedule “depends on funding and all of the things that come into facility planning.”

Board members welcomed the partnership and noted the district’s role in making Valley Academy space available for the museum’s needs. No board vote on the lease or on funding occurred during the presentation.","The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center presented a plan to lease the former Valley Academy building, create a new plaza and accessible entrance, and build immersive bilingual exhibits; groundbreaking depends on funding and is targeted for 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Valley Academy opens new building, expands programs and enrollment, district leaders say

Wenatchee principals honored for growth in low‑income and special‑education students

Wenatchee School Board approves consent agenda and six policy second readings

Wenatchee Valley Museum outlines plan to convert former Valley Academy into expanded museum; groundbreaking planned for 2026