Superintendent highlights new staff, CTE shop cleanup and outreach as schools reopen

Superintendent Dane Keesa used the Aug. 28 meeting to recap the district’s School of Rock welcome events, introduce new certificated staff and highlight operational items ahead of the school year.

A video segment in the meeting featured Keesa saying, "I am thrilled to be your new superintendent," and presenters highlighted the district’s renewed focus on adult–student relationships as a driver of student outcomes. Staff reported that overall enrollment is tracking slightly ahead of projections but noted the kindergarten cohort is smaller (about 137 students at the time of the meeting). The business report said the district expects its positive fund balance to grow and estimated significant incoming revenue in September; staff flagged roughly $400,000 in costs tied to recent staff departures.

Facilities and program updates included a substantial cleanup of the Granite Falls High School shop, which staff described as unsafe earlier in the year and now prepared for an introductory construction course this fall. Administrators thanked the tech team for the cleanup and said the district will grow CTE offerings beginning with one class this year.

Trustees heard that the district will seek community visibility via business-window signs supporting the district (no fundraising solicited) and that several district events are upcoming, including fall sports and a community Rover Days parade.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included HR additions: resignations, new hires and a conditional ESA appointment for school nurse Trina Montoya.

Next steps: staff will finalize schedules and publish event and staff lists in the board packet; HR actions will be processed per the consent vote.