Tag Archive for: Camas

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Opinion: Local Parent Analyzes Four Camas Schools Superintendent Finalists

By Sarah Christensen, a Camas parent

This week, the Camas School District released four videos of our Superintendent finalists. Each new superintendent candidate was given time to answer a few questions to the community. Following the videos, the community is asked to provide feedback. They will close the survey for feedback by midnight on Sunday, December 5. After watching the district videos and some other research of my own, here are some thoughts on the search for the new Camas School District superintendent.

Dr. John Anzalone

Video Interview Link: https://youtu.be/81wRNVYVOw0

He seems like a nice guy. My thoughts on Dr. Anzalone is that he may very well be a nice guy or even a great educator, but I’m concerned about his ambitions. He and his wife loved the area. It’s beautiful. And while you would move here to be a part of the beauty around us, you are being hired here to work. His interview left me wanting more. More specifics, more plans, more ideas, more insight as to what an outsider would see. From other research, he has tried to run for political office from his positions in school administration.  He recently ran for Congress. Using his previous position as a jumping off point for his campaign causes me some pause. I truly believe that strong politics should not be a part of a school district regardless of which party they favor. And my worry is that he might use Camas as another jumping off point to run again. Ultimately, a very nice guy, but he wasn’t prepared. He wasn’t focused on Camas. We aren’t an ultimate goal right now.

Heidi Harris

Video Interview Link: https://youtu.be/2TyAlAcWeJE

She surprised me. Recently she had recorded a similar interview video from another district in wanting a superintendent position there. That interview felt generic and spoke more of her want for the position of hire than her benefits to be brought to the new school’s district. I went into our district video of her wondering if I would see more of the same. Is she looking to be superintendent, or superintendent of Camas? She surprised me. She had watched Camas over the years as a mother in the state with her district and family competing with the Papermakers over the years. She recognized something special in this small town district that seemed to live bigger than it was. She did her research. She offered honesty in her growth and was humble in doing it. Harris had insights on ways for growth instead of change. I appreciated that. Recognizing how incredible what has already been here she doesn’t feel the word “change” is appropriate from this question given.

“As a leader in our district how will you work to effect change and work to get others behind this change.”

She said she would rather use growth over change. She truly understands the administrative side of budgets and levies. She’s humble, smart, intuitive, and tried, and she is a fantastic choice for our special district. I am worried, however, that she lacks presence. There needs to be some feeling of authority when a leader speaks. Her softer humility might get trampled by some of the louder voices around her, regardless of how right she is.

Superintendent
Camas Superintendent finalists, from left: Heid Harris, Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Dr. John Anzalone, Dr. Charlene Williams.

Dr. Charlene Williams

Video Interview Link: https://youtu.be/3uryK5psEp4

In this particular time we need to hire outside of our district. Dr. Williams has been here a for a few years. I’m sure, like anyone would, she has preconceived notions of some people who work in our district. And naturally, after many years, she would have opinions on others, too. A good leader can’t take sides on the same team. And after the massive growth and new challenges our district has faced, we need an unbiased eye. Dr. Williams has a very distinct map of where she’d like the district to go. She has had success in other districts. Unfortunately all districts are not alike. An agenda that specific might not allow for other thoughts, or detours. With such a strong conviction, I wonder about room for other opinions or ideas or even solutions. I also wonder about an ability to notice other issues entirely when focused on another.

Michelle Kuss-Cybula

Video Interview Link: https://youtu.be/jn1KPFItoFg

In my background searching I see she has handled the pandemic competently, and with unwavering commitment to the students and family of Cle Elum. She was able to work within the boundaries of the state with creativity and resourcefulness. In all the online videos, interviews, articles, etc. she brings a spirit of work ethic, compassion and great communication skills. I can’t say that I know her political swaying (a good thing). She has lived in many places around the country and even, I believe, other countries. She is adamant that good schools are made through good communities and each individual district should reflect the individual needs of its community. She is not afraid of approaching a hard topic because she can implement collaboration and community effort to the discussion. She was very prepared for her interview and knew some of the things we are most proud of, but also, some of the things we need to work on. She mentioned community dialogue and not allowing a difference of definition be the reason for misunderstanding and division. She mentions always putting her students first. She said:

“People don’t care about how much you know, until they know about how much you care.”

Her “I’m comfortable in charge” attitude might put off some, however, no ship gets anywhere without a captain.

These are all compelling candidates with different ideas or goals for our growing district. Now, truly, the community needs to add their voice.

What are your aspirations and ideals for Camas School District?

What does your family need?

Who do you believe is best suited as Superintendent?

Who is best suited to be a strong leading member of our community?

All big questions to ponder as we let our thoughts be heard. But with a group effort, compassion and understanding that we all want our town and district to succeed.

Please let the school district know your thoughts: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cbhseKH3EKv-f4ir4z4RdYx5AyD1KO-CPPbXVohl8HQ/viewform?edit_requested=true

We’ll FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

We’re going to win tonight!

….Papermakers go rolling along.

Papermakers go rolling along!

Sarah Christensen is a Camas parent of four children who all attend Camas schools, from Kindergarten to 12th grade.

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Camas School Board, Stakeholders Interview Four Superintendent Candidates

Camas, WA — The Camas Schools Superintendent search progressed over the past two days as the school board, teachers, stakeholders, and community members interviewed the four finalists for Camas School District’s top job.

John Anzalone, Heidi Harris, Michelle Kuss-Cybula, and Charlene Williams made their cases regarding why they want to lead Camas schools. Each interview was recorded and posted on the Camas School District website and on their YouTube Channel. Each candidate was interviewed by Woodburn Elementary principal Brian Graham, who asked four questions provided by the Camas School Board.

The questions:

  1. Please tell us about yourself and why you want to be the Superintendent in the Camas School District.
  2. As a leader in our district how will you work to effect change and work to get others behind this change?
  3. Our district has developed a culturally competent environment over the past several years. Describe your experience in leading equity work and please provide any examples of your work surrounding educational equity that has led to improve student outcome.
  4. What do you anticipate are the two greatest challenges you will be facing as the next Superintendent of the Camas School District?

John Anazlone’s Recorded Interview:

Heidi Harris Recorded Interview:

https://youtu.be/2TyAlAcWeJE

Michelle Kuss-Cybula Recorded Interview:

https://youtu.be/jn1KPFItoFg

Charlene Williams Recorded Interview:

https://youtu.be/3uryK5psEp4

The public has the opportunity to provide feedback after watching the interviews here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cbhseKH3EKv-f4ir4z4RdYx5AyD1KO-CPPbXVohl8HQ/viewform?edit_requested=true

The search for a permanent placement to succeed Jeff Snell, who resigned at CSD Superintendent in July to lead Vancouver Schools is being conducted by the education executive search firm, McPherson & Jacobson, LLC.

The School Board hopes to make a final decision by December 13, but acknowledged it may take longer.

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Team 2471 Robotics Students Create Power Pivot™ To Assist People With Injuries

Team 2471, a robotics team made up of students from Camas, Hockinson, and Washougal school districts in Washington state have used their design, machining, programming, and business skills to create a device for assisting people with injuries or other physical disabilities. During the 2021 FIRST Robotics competition season, the team was challenged to create an innovative design to facilitate aspects of health and fitness. As their answer to this challenge, Team 2471 created the Power Pivot™ to help persons with limited mobility and their caregivers.

The Power Pivot™ is a portable motorized disk that can assist caregivers transferring persons with limited mobility between wheelchairs, seats, and beds. Unlike existing transfer disks, the Power Pivot™ provides rotation to move the patient without having to twist or apply force. You can learn more at powerpivotdisk.com/ 

  • About 32,000 deaths are caused annually due to older adults falling. The Power Pivot aims to prevent these accidents.
  • The team said this is a great opportunity for students to gain all sorts of unique experience designing, building, and marketing a product before they’re even out of high school.

The high school team is currently assembling Power Pivots™ and making them available for those who can benefit from its capabilities. Power Pivots are built for each individual upon request. They are designed to be affordable with any profit directed to support STEM education in the community.

“The Power Pivot project has been an amazing opportunity for team members to come forward to learn and use their skills while creating something that can really help a lot of people,” said Zach Ager Vice President and fourth year member of Team 2471.

“The Power Pivot project has really allowed me to look behind the scenes and learn more about the production, business and outreach side of making a product (whether that be a robot or Power Pivot), whereas before I only focused on the building and designing,” said Taryn Cavil, first year member of Team 2471.

FRC Team 2471 is composed of students from Camas, Washougal, and Hockinson school districts in Washington state. The team competes in annual FIRST Robotics Competitions where they use design, machining, programming, and business skills to build robots to compete in a series of robot challenges that change from year to year. Team Members have opportunities to learn new skills and work together as a team while they are encouraged to seek innovative solutions to solve real world problems, preparing them for any professional STEM or business fields. Students show dedication to the FIRST Robotics principles of safety in their work, innovation in creation, excellence in design and gracious professionalism throughout their community. 

Robotics
Users hold the Power Pivot.

Learn more at team2471.org/

FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for grades PreK-12 that can be facilitated in both school or other structured programs. An international non-profit organization founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Boosted by a global support system of mentors, coaches, volunteers, alumni, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, and build robots, then compete and celebrate at local, regional, and international events. Students are eligible for more than $80 million in college scholarships through FIRST. Learn more at firstinspires.org/

Contact Team 2471 at powerpivotdisk.com/contact

Robotics
Power Pivot up close.
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Camas School Board Narrows Superintendent Search to Four Candidates

Camas, WA — The Camas School Board has narrowed its Superintendent search down to four candidates following the July resignation of former superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell. He left to lead Vancouver Schools. 

Seventeen candidates were submitted through the consultant firm McPherson & Jacboson following a nationwide search, and the school board met in workshop two weeks ago to winnow down the list. The new superintendent will assume duties in July 2022.

Those finalists are:

  • Michelle Kuss-Cybula, who is the superintendent of the 849-student Cle Elum-Roslyn School District in Cle Elum, Washington. Prior to this current role she served as Director of Teaching and Learning at the Bellingham, Washington School District.
  • John Anzalone, an assistant superintendent of education services for the massive Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. He became a principal at age 32 and he beat 42 other applicants to land the top spot at Eldorado High School, where the graduation rate jumped up by 24 percentage points during his tenure. He recently ran for U.S. Congress as a Democrat. Anzalone, 41, hails from a big Italian family in Buffalo, New York. 
  • Charlene Williams, who has served as CSD’s assistant superintendent since 2016; Prior to that she worked in Portland Public Schools for 14 years as Senior Director of School Performance (leading Roosevelt cluster schools), Principal, and Director of Education. She has been a leader in implementing district equity programs, which began in 2019.
  • Heidi Harris, an assistant superintendent of student learning at the Auburn School District in Auburn, Washington, which is a role she’s had since 2013. She manages a $48 million dollar budget including BEA funds, Federal and State Grants (EL, High Cap, CTE…). She applied to be Superintendent at Peninsula School District earlier this year. 

The finalists are interviewing with members of the Camas School Board, stakeholders (including teachers, students, and parents) on November 30 and December 1. Those interviews will be made public via video late on December 1 via the CSD website.

The school board hopes to select the new superintendent by December 13, but acknowledged it may take longer. 

“This is a very important decision,” said School Board President Tracey Malone. “If we need to take more time to make this decision, we will take that time.”

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Tim Hein Sworn in Monday as Camas City Council Member

Camas, WA — Tim Hein was sworn in today as Camas’ newest City Council Member following a special Camas City Council meeting. Hein took his oath of office following the meeting and was officially sworn in by Camas Assistant City Attorney David Schultz. Hein will represent Camas Ward 2, position 2, with his term expiring in December of 2025.

As mentioned, a special meeting was held November 29, during which Council waived the appointment process set by resolution, and then moved to appoint Hein. A short-term swearing in was used to fill the vacancy of Mayor Steve Hogan’s Council position, otherwise the position would remain vacant until January of 2022.

Hein was elected to the position by Camas voters in the November 2, 2021, general election, earning 60 percent of the vote. The election was certified by the Clark County Elections department November 23. This will not be Hein’s first foray into City business, as he has served on the Camas Planning Commission for the past 17 years.

About Tim Hein

Tim Hein has been an active citizen of Camas since 1999, including serving on the Camas Planning Commission, the Camas Education Foundation, and the Camas School District Superintendent’s budget committee. Hein’s professional experience includes six years as an active-duty Army Officer as well as 25 years of Executive Leadership in a variety of medical device companies. Hein believes in focusing on the core elements of success for our community, which includes a fulfillment on our vision as a city, economic and land use planning for the future, and strong fiscal accountability. Hein and his wife Cyndee have twin sons, Riley and Zach who graduated from Camas High School in 2014. Riley is a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Ft. Hood and Zach is a mechanical engineer with HP in Vancouver.

Hein
From left: Cyndee, Riley, Zach and Tim Hein.
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Annual Stuff The Bus Campaign Raises Food, Donations For Local Non-Profits

Washougal, WA — Organized by the Camas-Washougal Business Alliance (CWBA), the annual Stuff The Bus campaign is under way through December 3, and has become our area’s largest local food drive.

“It’s always met annually with enthusiasm from both Camas and Washougal residents,” said Tabitha Shaffer, CWBA co-founder. “We utilize the Camas & Washougal school districts to help achieve our annual goals and encourage students to help support the event through community outreach and participation. We raise an average of 50,000 pounds of food and our beneficiaries are; The Children’s Home Society, The C.A.R.O.L Program and the American Legion.” 

This year, with kids back in school Stuff The Bus is hoping it allows for greater participation.

“All money and food donations go directly toward our program,” said Shaffer. “The Children’s Home Society is the main beneficiary and they serve over 600 local families per month with the food you can help provide. Our hope is that Stuff the Bus gives them the resources they need to distribute food for hungry families as well as support the Backpack Program, which sends food home with children throughout the school year. Any student who is in need receives a Backpack full of food on Fridays to help them through the weekend. Our other beneficiaries provide over 200 local families with food for the holidays including Christmas dinner and additional food to supplement the holiday season.” 

Students and businesses have been collecting non-perishable food items, including local grocery stores. On Wednesday, November 23, the Washougal Safeway and Camas QFC will have volunteers collecting food and place them into large bins.

The campaign runs through December 3, which is the last day the public can make donations. On December 3, each high school will have a parade to each of the schools and pick up all the canned food donations.

“It’s good to have community come together,” said Shaffer. “It’s great to feel that community spirit again. If anybody has time to donate or if they just want to donate cash or food they can do so at all the schools until December 3, and also any iQ Credit Union branch here. I want to thank our sponsors this year, which are Dan Jones Conveyor, The Asivido Team, and Angie Tauialo and Sativa Huddleston of Columbia River Realty, Jayson Obermiller, and Tabitha Shaffer and Angie Cherry of HomeTown Lenders.”

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Council Member Steve Hogan Sworn in Tuesday as Camas Mayor

Camas, WA — The City of Camas officially has a new Mayor.

Former Camas City Council Member Steve Hogan took the oath of office and was officially sworn in as Camas’ new mayor, Nov. 23, at Camas City Hall. Camas City Attorney Shawn MacPherson conducted the ceremony in front of a small group of friends, family and staff. Hogan’s term will run through Dec. 31, 2023.

Hogan was elected to the position by Camas voters in the Nov. 2, 2021, general election, earning 57 percent of the vote. The election was certified by the Clark County Elections department today, Nov. 23. Hogan’s term will be effective beginning today, as he works to fulfill the remainder of the term left vacant by former Mayor Barry McDonnell. Hogan will replace Mayor Ellen Burton, who was appointed to the role of Mayor on an interim basis in August.

Hogan served as a Camas City Council Member since 2006, during which he served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2014 and 2017. He’s the fifth Camas Mayor since 2018.

Here’s the video of his swearing in: https://youtu.be/vZ-_DL3ctf0

About Mayor Hogan

Steve Hogan has been a resident of Camas since 1994. He has been a senior manager and chief operating officer in the steel, paper and wood industries. He is a member of the Camas Washougal Rotary Club and was a member of the 2009 Class of Leadership Clark County. He has also served as a member of the Camas School District Facility committee. Hogan received the designation of Certified Municipal Leader from AWC in 2006 and received his Advanced Certified Municipal Leader designation in 2007. He has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Seattle University.

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Leslie Lewallen Sworn in Today as Camas City Council Member

CAMAS, WA – Leslie Lewallen can add her name to the history books as Camas’ newest City Council Member. Lewallen took her oath of office and was officially sworn in as a City Council Member, Nov. 23, at Camas City Hall. Camas City Attorney Shawn MacPherson conducted the ceremony in front of a small group of friends, family and staff. Lewallen will represent Camas Ward 3, position 2, with her term expiring in December of 2025.

Lewallen was elected to the position by Camas voters in the Nov. 2, 2021, general election, earning 53 percent of the vote. The election was certified by the Clark County Elections department today, Nov. 23. Lewallen’s term will be effective beginning today, as she will fill the position left vacant by former Council Member Ellen Burton. Burton left her role on council to serve in the role of Mayor on an interim basis until a new Mayor was elected and certified.

About Leslie Lewallen

Leslie is a fifth generation Washingtonian, with a family history of public service. She graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and Seattle University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate.  She practiced as a judicial clerk for Chief Justice Gerry Alexander at the Washington State Supreme Court and worked as a prosecuting attorney prior to joining private practice. Leslie and her husband, Brian, have 4 children, ages 5-18.

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City of Camas Finalizes Purchase of Green Mountain Land

Camas, WA —  Officials with the City of Camas have announced that the purchase of the area around, and including Green Mountain, has been finalized and recorded by Clark County.

The announcement completes the Green Mountain acquisition which began in December of 2020 with a 60-acre donation valued at $15.5 million from the developers of the Green Mountain Subdivision and Master Plan. The City then followed through on the terms of the purchase and sale agreement with the recent purchase of an additional 55 acres for $3.8 million, which brings the total land acquisition to 115 acres.

“We always envisioned we’d purchase the remaining 55 acres, which includes Green Mountain,” said Camas Public Works Director, Steve Wall. “Add in that we were able to purchase the property for less than the $4.9 million appraisal, and it’s a win-win for everyone involved,” he said.

The land was always considered desirable by the City, and has been identified in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive plan (PROS) for many years due to the property being adjacent to hundreds of acres of Clark County- and DNR-owned lands. This key acquisition will allow for future trail connections, both locally and county-wide, new parks space for Camas’ citizens, and conservation of heavily forested natural areas.

The City has not identified any specific improvements yet, however, the City will follow the typical planning processes for new acquisitions to ensure the best future use of the property. Because of this, residents will have to wait a while before any real physical improvements will be seen.

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Clark College Concert Band To Perform For Audience – 1st Time in 18 Months

VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark College Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris, presents its Fall Concert on Friday, December 3, 7:30 pm in the Durst Theater, VSAA, 3101 N Main St, Vancouver. Admission to the performance free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Music Department are welcome at the door. Masking, socially distanced seating, and contact tracing sign-in are required.

The concert features William Latham’s “Brighton Beach” concert march, Percy Grainger’s take on Handel, Aaron Copland’s “Down a Country Lane,” Frank Ticheli’s commissioned work “Cajun Folk Songs,” and Jan Van der Roost’s commission to honor the 110th anniversary of the Belgium Royal Saint Martinus Fanface Band.

“It is so fantastic to be back on campus creating music together,” says Dr. Harris. “We are looking forward to sharing our music with an audience in a few weeks.  We also invite college and community musicians to play with us in Winter and Spring quarters as we rebuild our band after four quarters off!”

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz band, and choirs, please see the full calendar.

About Doug Harris

Dr. Doug Harris joined the faculty in Fall 2018 year as Director of Bands at Clark College after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at both Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. 

Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado.  His conducting teachers include Richard W. Bowles, Dr. Raymond Chobaz, Dr. German Gutierez, Dr. Richard Mayne and Dr. Kenneth Singleton, and has studied with Douglas Akey, Stanley Derusha, John Paynter and Frank Batiste.  At his most recent high school, Palm Bay High School in Melbourne, FL., his concert and jazz bands were recognized as being among the elite in the state, regularly receiving highest marks at district and state festivals.  The Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the University of Florida Invitational Concert Band Festival as well as the prestigious Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis.  The top jazz band performed at, and won, jazz festivals in Florida, Georgia and Virginia, and has earned praise while performing with jazz notables such as Ira Sullivan, Bill Prince, Marc Dickman, Christian Tamburr, Maynard Ferguson, David Steinmeyer, Bobby Shew and Portland’s own Charlie Porter.

Clark College
https://www.lesschwab.com/stores/wa/camas/2375-se-8th-ave?utm_campaign=gmb-homepage&utm_source=google-gmb
Clark College
Concert Band.
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