Alan Helser told the board he had held onto a large piece of baleen for 35 years and would like to donate it to Mount Vernon High School. Helser said he obtained the item during a 1985 trip to Saint Lawrence Island, Alaska, where he worked on a Bible translation project and received the baleen from a boat captain; he described the piece as scrimshawed and originally about 8½ feet long before being perforated and folded for transport.

Why it matters: Helser and trustees said the baleen would have value for science and local history lessons; trustees suggested placing the object in a high hallway or near science rooms with a placard describing its origin. Fiscal services listed the gift among other recent donations and the board publicly thanked Helser.

Board reaction: Trustees expressed enthusiasm and appreciation, asked about display logistics and a placard, and thanked Helser for the generous donation. Fiscal services will coordinate placement with school staff and report back to the board.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with Helser and school administrators (Corey referenced in the meeting) about where and how to display the baleen and will prepare interpretive placard text for board review.