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Helix board adopts new social studies materials, approves staff contract and student trips
Summary
The Helix School Board on May 13 approved a one‑year staff contract, adopted recommended elementary and secondary social studies curricula, and authorized end‑of‑year student trips, while hearing updates on enrollment and facilities.
The Helix School Board approved several routine but consequential items at its May 13 meeting, adopting new social studies curriculum vendors, approving a one‑year staff contract and authorizing student trips.
Superintendent Brad Bixler opened the meeting with an enrollment update, saying, “We recently added one student who moved into the district. This increased enrollment to 183.” He also thanked teachers and staff for recent work and reported the Social Studies Adoption Committee would present its recommendations.
On personnel, the board voted to approve a one‑year contract for Arnold Wardwell for the 2026‑27 school year. The motion was made by Bobby Corey and seconded by Friday Bracher; the motion carried as recorded in the minutes.
Dustin Curtiss presented the elementary committee’s top choice for social studies materials (recorded in the minutes as “Gib Smith”), and committee recommendations for middle and high school favored materials from McGraw Hill. On a motion by Friday Bracher and seconded by Bobby Corey, the board adopted the recommended materials for elementary and middle/high school.
The board also approved ASB’s end‑of‑year trip to Kennewick’s Glow in the Dark Golf on May 8 and a high school band trip to Silverwood and campus visits May 3–4, motions made and seconded by Bracher and Corey and recorded as carried.
Board members discussed facilities and construction updates at the welding/shop area and a reported theft of a compressor; staff noted mechanical permitting remained outstanding for the shop project. The board adjourned the public portion of the meeting at 7:05 p.m. and scheduled an executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(b).
What’s next: staff will pursue vendor contracting and notify families about lottery placements and trip logistics as required by district procedures.
