Port Townsend, Chimacum school boards to collaborate

CHIMACUM — The collaboration between Port Townsend and Chimacum schools is about to go deeper than the merger of rivals.

Before the end of the calendar year, school board directors, superintendents and student representatives plan to craft and approve a joint statement of purpose, according to a joint press release issued last week.

They also intend to meet on a periodic basis to refine common interests in supporting students’ academic and emotional development, exploring authentic learning options such as place-based and career and technical education offerings, recruiting and retaining qualified educators and staff, and “uplifting all students and families regardless of background or beliefs.”

“I can think of no better way to start a leadership career as a superintendent than to be in the extraordinary collaborative relationship with Dr. (Linda) Rosenbury, the Port Townsend School Board, and my Chimacum community, said Chimacum Superintendent Scott Mauk.

“The work that our school boards are doing together is transformational and is a model for collaboration among school boards anywhere,” he said.

Said Rosenbury: “More than ever before, our students and families need us to work together. Jefferson County has strong leaders, both in the schools and throughout the community, who are dedicated to opportunities for every child. I’m excited to take collective action for the future.”

The two schools combined their football teams with the new nickname of East Jefferson Rivals in late August.

On Oct. 14, a dozen Port Townsend and Chimacum schools’ representatives met at a working dinner for four hours at Chimacum to take their partnership to the next level, according to a press release.

The districts are building upon collaboration in a transportation co-op, and in coordinating locally sourced foods for meal programs.

The meeting was facilitated by Doug Nathan, a consultant specializing in supporting leadership teams to drive positive change, and was underwritten by a grant from Jefferson Community Foundation.

Representatives from the two districts continue to meet with counterparts in Brinnon and Quilcene to improve communication and collaboration, according to the press release.

More in News

Highway 104 roundabouts delayed until 2024

DOT cites permitting slow-down as obstacle

Friday was Day 75 of the 105-day legislative session at the state Capitol as lawmakers reviewed bills for a Wednesday deadline.
DNR carbon credits bill in Senate

Present legislation pared down from original

Bill would extending orca protective zone

Amendment proposed to get legislation out of committee

Aubree Hebert, left, and Finn Thompson of Port Angeles High School plant a small tree on their campus on Wednesday, a beautification day for the school. Giant letters P and A were carved out and lined with bricks. The project was led by the Rider Crew, led by Adam Logan, and the Interact Club, with Angie Gooding as the advisor. More than 100 students were enthusiastically involved, and they intend to continue the work next week. Port Angeles School District Superintendent Marty Brewer attended also. Trees were donated by the Clallam County Conservation Society. Landscaping was designed by a student, Scarlett Fulton. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Beautification day at Port Angeles High School

Aubree Hebert, left, and Finn Thompson of Port Angeles High School plant… Continue reading

East Jefferson ambulance fees could increase

Fire commissioners to discuss topic, encourage public input

Proposed fee increases

Here are increases in the proposed new East Jefferson… Continue reading

Most Read