Superintendent reports on professional development, turf and kindergarten enrollment

Superintendent Helena Chirinian told the Brookings‑Harbor School District 17C board on Aug. 21 that Lubia Sanchez led Constructed Meaning professional development for all teachers — not only English language arts — emphasizing that academic language is important across subjects. Chirinian framed the training as relevant to practical coursework such as welding as well as core academic classes.

Chirinian also updated the board on facilities: turf and track construction is progressing, and she noted the track could potentially be open for use by Sept. 9, 2024, pending coordination with physical education staff and maintenance planning. On enrollment, she said online registration is slightly up compared with the end of last year but lower than where the district started last year; she added that 78 students are enrolled in the upcoming Kindergarten Academy.

Board members asked clarifying questions about whether the PD was specific to ELA teachers; Chirinian clarified it was district‑wide. The superintendent said staff will coordinate regular turf maintenance with Physical Education teachers. No formal action was taken on these updates at the meeting.