December 15 School Board Highlights

Here are some of the highlights from the December 15, Ephrata School Board meeting. Members of the public are always welcome to attend board meetings. Meeting dates and times, board agendas and other information.

📜🤝Oath of Office Administered to Returning Board Members

Superintendent Ken Murray administered the oath of office to Casey Devine, Jim Adams and Matthew Truscott. All three Board members ran unopposed in the recent election and will continue their service as returning members of the Board. We appreciate their ongoing commitment to supporting students, staff and the Ephrata School District community.

As is customary at the end of the calendar year, the board also reorganized its leadership. Following a vote last night, Josh Sainsbury was appointed to serve as board chair, Mike Fleurkens vice-chair and Casey Devine will take over duties as the board’s legislative representative.

👥⭐ Comprehensive School Counseling Plan Approved

The Board approved the Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP), which will be implemented beginning in the 2025–26 school year. This program aligns with Substitute Senate Bill 5030 and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

The CSCP supports students’ social/emotional development, academic success and career readiness through data-informed practices and clearly defined direct and indirect counseling services. Ephrata School District adopted a transition plan in 2022, and the counseling team has worked collaboratively to fine tune this comprehensive approach. An annual review process will be implemented and will include stakeholder input.

This approval reinforces the district’s commitment to providing equitable, comprehensive support for all students—today and into the future.

🤖 LEGO Robotics Team Earns Core Values Award, Advances to State Competition

The Columbia Ridge, Ridge Robotics Team impressed at the December 6 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) qualifying event in Spokane, earning a Core Values award for their teamwork, creativity and commitment to inclusion and fun. These awards recognize teams that exemplify FLL’s six guiding principles: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork and Fun, which emphasize learning, creativity, helping others, respecting differences, working together and enjoying the process—building both life skills and technical abilities.

The team now advances to the state competition, which will take place at St. George’s High School in Spokane on January 24. Congratulations Ridge Robotics!

📊📘District Finances Remain Strong and Stable

The Board received a financial update reviewing enrollment, revenues, expenditures and fund balances across district accounts. As of November, the district has completed approximately 25% of the fiscal year, with spending and revenues tracking within expected ranges.

The General Fund remains financially stable, with an ending fund balance that exceeds the district’s 10% minimum fund balance policy, ensuring continued operational stability. Property tax revenues are tracking ahead of projections, while expenditures align with seasonal patterns, particularly payroll costs.

Updates were also shared for the Capital Projects, Debt Service, Associated Student Body and Transportation Vehicle Funds, all of which remain in stable condition with no significant concerns identified.