September 23 School Board Highlights

Here are some of the highlights from the September 23, Ephrata School Board meeting. Members of the public are always welcome to attend board meetings. Meeting dates and times, board agendas and other information. 

Introduction of New Certificated Staff
District Administrators introduced new certificated staff throughout the district. Pictures and introductions are available here. 

New Migrant Nurse Case Manager for Ephrata Schools
The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for a supplemental School Nurse Corp Migrant Nurse Case Manager that will serve approximately 100 migrant students in Ephrata Schools. The position is intended to provide supplemental intensive, one-on-one nursing support services (including evening, nights, weekends or summer assistance) to eligible youth to address the combined health, attendance and academic needs of students to improve student health and academic status. This nurse position is a shared resource with the Quincy and Warden school districts. Funding for five years is provided by OSPI. 

New Asphalt at EMS
Roughly 18,000 square feet of asphalt will be placed in the area behind the Ephrata Middle School Complex. During the remodel of the school, the existing asphalt behind the kitchen was trenched in multiple areas. The new asphalt will create a level surface and expand parking and unloading areas. Eastside Asphalt Inc. has been contracted to complete the work at a cost of $52,000. 

Facility and Maintenance Update
Adam Roduner, Director of Maintenance and Transportation provided the board an update on construction and maintenance projects that were completed over the summer or are currently underway. Of note are:

• New Roofs: Installed at Grant Elementary and at the Beezley building on the EHS campus.
• Preschool Upgrades: Including new playground equipment, landscaping, fire alarms and occupancy of a new portable that will provide additional space for activities at the school.
• New Storage Facility: A new storage facility is currently under construction across from the EHS soccer complex. The 40 by 100 feet building will consolidate storage for the school district. Right now, the district has one on-site facility, rents two off-site buildings and leases 10 storage containers which are housed on district property. Construction of the building will provide capacity for future school construction projects and future district storage needs while saving just over $2,400 in monthly storage rental costs.
• Electrical Upgrades to EHS, Parkway Intermediate and Grant Elementary Kitchens: This grant funded work will allow for new/expanded equipment in each facility.
• Grant Elementary Playground: In the near future, Ephrata Schools will go out to bid for installation of new playground equipment at Grant Elementary. The grant funded work is expected to be complete before the end of the school year.
• Expansion of Sports Medicine Room at EHS: Over the summer, maintenance crews renovated the Sports Medicine room at EHS to provide more space for students and equipment.
• New Buses: The district anticipates receiving two new school buses in the next few weeks. These buses, funded by voter approved levy dollars will help update the district fleet. A new Special Education bus is on order and should be received soon.

EHS and EMS Celebrate Support of Cell Phone Policy
This year, Ephrata High School (EHS) and Ephrata Middle School (EMS) took significant steps toward improving student engagement by implementing strict “no cell phone” rules during class time. The effort, part of a nationwide trend, aims to minimize distractions and foster a more focused learning environment. EHS Principal Ashlie Miller and EMS Assistant Principal, Levi Spencer provided the board with an update on the broad success seen at both schools. Watch for an article later this week with more information on this initiative.

Board Member, Anita Waller, Announces Resignation
Long-time Ephrata School Board Director, Anita Waller, announced her resignation from the board, effective December 2024. “Anita has been an essential member of the board, offering valuable perspective and insight,” said Ephrata School District Superintendent, Ken Murray. “Her consistent and thoughtful leadership has been a strong asset to Ephrata, and she will be deeply missed.”

The process to fill Ephrata School Board District 3 is expected to begin in October. Watch for more information on this opening soon.

Donations

The board recognized the generosity of community members that recently made donations to the district. By policy, the school board must approve any donation of money, materials or equipment having a value of $500 or more. Our sincere thanks go out to:

• Tiger Boosters for their $700 donation to pay for a portion of a new Homecoming banner that will hang across Basin Street during homecoming week.
• Carol Moore who donated $1,500 to support student and staff needs.

New certificated staff pose with Ephrata School Board members following new employee introductions at the board meeting on Monday, September 23.