Superintendent reports ADA and emergency repairs grant applications, lead testing and student engagement work

Superintendent Dr. Dana Giesland updated the Granite Falls School Board on facility, safety and student-engagement initiatives during the Nov. 12 meeting.

Dr. Giesland said the district has applied for an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grant aimed at improving playground and building accessibility at Monte Cristo Elementary and the early-learning center. He also told the board the district applied for a $6,600,000 emergency repairs grant intended to work in conjunction with the planned capital projects levy; the superintendent said that grant funding could help address HVAC repairs and other site improvements and would assist the district’s compliance with the state’s Clean Buildings Act.

On health safety, Dr. Giesland reported the district is completing required water lead testing and expects to have full reports by the next board meeting, when the results will be shared publicly.

On student engagement, the superintendent described a Tiger Cabinet session on Oct. 30 that asked students to answer essential questions about what’s working and what needs improvement; results are posted in the boardroom and will inform future work. He also noted students helped develop a school-board candidate questionnaire that was posted on the district website through Nov. 4, and that a student representative (Thomas Hancock) will attend the upcoming Wazda conference.

The superintendent closed by listing upcoming community events and congratulating fall and winter athletics and performing-arts activities.