Tag Archive for: Camas

Camas, WA — Nominated by Coach Dale Rule for his efforts to help a local family in need, Camas resident Bill Criddle received the Mill Town Pride Award at Monday night’s Camas School Board meeting.

Criddle, along with the help of others, raised funds to help a family pay past due electricity bills, and also give them a credit with Clark Public Utilities.

“I am honored, humbled and a little embarrassed to have received this award from the Camas School Board,” said Criddle. “Personally, I wish that no one knew what we had done. I say ‘we’ as this was not just me. This was our community. Several people, that without asking who it was for, and wanting to remain anonymous, just stepped up to help when needed. This is Camas! I just happened to be the one that sent a text to a few friends. I know that each of us can make a positive impact in our community if we look for ways to serve others. Thank you Dale for the nomination and incredible things you said and thank you CSD for the award.”

The Mill Town Pride Award recognizes local community members who do things to improve life in and around Camas.

Criddle
Criddle being acknowledged at Monday’s Camas School Board meeting.
Criddle
Supporting Bill Criddle.

Camas, WA — Camas Parks and Recreation is hosting a second virtual open house for the public as part of the update process for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The virtual open house is live now and will run through Feb. 4.  Information can be found at https://engagecamas.com/parks-recreation-open-space-comprehensive-plan or https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d86f944efe93404aac7d38b2c701c86e

Phase 3 of the PROS plan combines community and stakeholder feedback about the community’s priorities, which helped shape the goals and priorities in the draft 2022 PROS Plan. Interested residents can visit the Open House and provide additional feedback on the draft plan.

The current update of the PROS Plan is expected to be complete in early 2022, allowing the City to compete in the next cycle of state grant funding. The update will build on previous plans and efforts and provides a framework to help the City prioritize parks and recreation projects in the next 6+ years.

“The community involvement we’ve had up to this point has been amazing,” said Camas’ Director of Parks and Recreation, Trang Lam. “We’re excited to take this from planning to implementation once adopted by Council in March.”

Camas Parks and Recreation works to update the PROS Plan every six years. That plan then serves as the city’s blueprint for park improvements and recreation programming.  Additionally, by consistently updating the PROS Plan, the City also becomes eligible for state and federal grants.

The City of Camas is home to more than 240 acres of public parkland, 765 acres of open space and many miles of trails. More information is available at https://engagecamas.com/parks-recreation-open-space-comprehensive-plan

Camas, WA — As the Camas School District (CSD) cooperates with an ESD 112 investigation into allegations of racist taunting at a high school girls basketball game on December 10, eyewitnesses are speaking out.

The investigation follows a complaint by Eric Knox, girls basketball head coach at Benson High in Portland, which was made through his non-profit organization, Holla Mentors. In his letter, Knox said his team, which is predominantly Black, was subjected to multiple taunts and racist slurs from the Camas student section in the bleachers at The Warehouse (Camas High gym).

The following Monday, Knox, without the knowledge of Benson High School or Portland Public Schools, filed a complaint with the Camas School Board, CSD administration, and other members of the Camas High School (CHS) leadership team. Interim superintendent Doug Hood said CSD took swift action, and a formal investigation was launched with ESD 112.

“That same day, we launched an investigation led by a neutral third party and consulted with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA),” Hood said in an email sent to Camas parents on Monday.

Hood said interviews have been conducted with fans, students, athletes, and staff members present at the game, including CHS Athletic Director, Rory Oster, who was present at both the JV and Varsity games that night. 

“An active and thorough investigation is happening through ESD 112,” Oster said.

Portland Public Schools confirms Benson staff is part of the probe. The complaint hit social media last week as screenshots of the Holla letter Knox authored went viral.

In his letter, Knox said the racial taunting started during the JV game. The alleged slurs continued into the Varsity game. Knox said his Varsity players, who were sitting close to the Camas student section, reported hearing students using offensive language, including the “N-word.”

“I took their words in and encouraged them to ignore them, and allow our play to be the response to their racism,” Knox said. “I assured them that I had their back and that unfortunately racism is a fact and a reality for us, and they will have to navigate this the rest of their lives.”

What we do know from video footage is that as a Benson player drives to the basket Camas is called for a foul. Junior Onna Brown, a Benson High athlete, then looks toward the Camas student section, and walks over to her coaches. 

As play resumes, a Benson assistant walks along the baseline while Knox calls timeout, then walks toward the student section. A referee intervenes, and Knox walks back to the bench. Knox is clearly agitated.

The Benson assistant coach speaks to Oster, who was standing near a door, about 20 feet from the student section. Oster then addresses the students. 

“Throughout the game, both during play and timeouts, a number of my players told me one-on-one that they were hearing individuals from the student section using the N-word to taunt our players,” Knox wrote in his Holla letter. “Additionally, Benson parents came to me and said that they heard people in the Camas student section using very derogatory language about our players and felt it created a very hostile environment. By the second half, I had heard the same thing from enough players that I finally had to take action.”

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Eric Knox letter to Camas School Board and CSD administration.
Basketball
Eric Knox letter.

After reviewing footage of the game, it’s unclear whether any student or adult spectator said anything racially offensive. After interviewing 20 eyewitnesses who attended the games, Lacamas Magazine has not uncovered any evidence of racially offensive language being said at either game. During the majority of the JV game, the Camas varsity players comprised the majority of the student section.

“I was sitting in the bleachers next to the student section for the first half of the JV game,” said WIAA referee, Errol Parker. “I officiated the second half of the JV game and the full varsity game and I heard no racial comments or anything like that.”

Parker said referee protocol is to address issues like this immediately with the game administrator, who would be Oster.  

“It doesn’t fall upon us to eject fans from the game, that would be the game administrator,” said Parker. “If we heard something like that we would notify the game administrator and they would take care of it.”

Parker also said his fellow referees, Jordan Anderson, and Travis Garrison, also did not hear any racial taunting during either game. In addition, multiple CHS athletic staff stood close to the student section during both games. No one heard any racial taunting. He also said during all his years of refereeing Camas games he’s never heard a racial slur or taunt.

“I’ve never had nor heard of any racial issues whatsoever in any school sanctioned events I have been involved with, especially in Camas,” Parker said.

Camas parents are also speaking out. 

“I was at the game, my daughters are on CHS varsity, they were standing shoulder to shoulder with the Benson athletes, they sat in the student section for the JV game,” said Tad Mairs, a Camas parent. “I just looked at JV game film on NFHS … the varsity was the main body of the JV student section. My wife was was sitting in close proximity to the varsity game student section, I was on balcony at times above the student section. My family does not tolerate hate. The N-word would resonate very deeply hearing it. At no point did any of my family hear any slurs. Just saying what we witnessed first hand. … sadly yes I am sure it still happens, if it did we would not ignore it.”

Several parents, who wish to remain anonymous said: “We sat right next to the student section the whole night and not once heard any racially offensive language. It wouldn’t be tolerated.”

Another parent said: “Yes, kids say dumb things at sporting events, like ‘you run funny,’ or ‘airball’ but nothing racially offensive was said.”

One Camas student, who wishes to remain anonymous, sat in the student section the entire time said this: “Ya, I was there, but I didn’t hear any racial slurs going around, there of course are normal taunts going around that you would expect at a basketball game, though.” 

Another Camas student, who also wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Yeah, I was at the game for the whole time, and the majority of the time I was in the student section during the game. I didn’t hear any racist things being said, and just heard normal kinda chatter during a high school game.” 

After the game, one parent spoke directly with Knox who told him “it was a good game, Camas has a legendary program. Camas never disappoints.”

Lacamas Magazine did send questions directly to Knox via email, but those emails have not been answered. In his letter, Knox said the Camas players were “great” and didn’t participate in any objectionable behavior. Benson beat the Papermakers 60-52.

The ESD 112 investigation has not been completed.

In his letter, Hood said the following:

“Racist slurs and remarks have no place in our schools or anywhere and will not be tolerated. We take these accusations very seriously and are committed to aiding a complete and thorough investigation. In our schools, in our hallways, and in our community, it is a shared responsibility to call out injustice and racism. In Camas School District, we will continue to be unrelenting in our commitment to providing safe, welcoming environments for our students, staff, community, and guests.”  

Lacamas Magazine will continue to follow this story.

Camas, WA — Marilyn Boerke was sworn in at last night’s City Council meeting as Camas’ newest City Council Member.

Boerke took her oath of office during the meeting and was officially sworn in by Camas City Attorney Shawn MacPherson. Boerke will represent Camas Ward 1, position 2, with her term expiring in December of 2025. She will take the council seat of Melissa Smith, who did not seek re-election.

Boerke was elected to the position by Camas voters in the Nov. 2, 2021, general election, earning 51% of the vote. The election was certified by the Clark County Elections department Nov. 23. 

About Marilyn Boerke 

Marilyn Boerke is a 35-year Camas resident whose children grew up in the Camas community, becoming strong, civic-minded adults. She is a servant leader who gives back to the community through volunteering with the Downtown Camas Association, Camas-Washougal Rotary, and Camas-Washougal Community Chest. Boerke’s parents and late husband, Thomas, were all teachers, and she followed the educational service path. She currently serves as the Director of Talent Development and Interim Elementary Education Director for the Camas School District. She is proud and excited to serve on the Camas City Council and will use this new role to ensure people feel they are seen, heard and belong.

Camas, WA – The Camas Cemetery has a festive look thanks to the addition of hundreds of wreaths.

The local VFW Post 4278 (Veterans of Foreign Wars), along with Camas residents, made their way to the cemetery this past Saturday, Dec. 18, to participate in Wreaths Across America Day.

Camas City Council member and VFW member, Shannon Roberts, along with Council member and Active-Duty Army Veteran, Tim Hein, participated in this weekend’s events. Camas Mayor Steve Hogan also attended and provided remarks to the crowd honoring the fallen and those who are currently on active duty.

“It’s important to remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us to keep the United States and its citizens free,” said Camas Council Member Shannon Roberts, who is also a U.S. Navy Veteran.  “It’s also important that residents visit and bring their children to participate, and to understand honor and respect and what that entails.”

Volunteers placed 726 wreaths on the graves of veterans at the Camas Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America. The United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution Dec. 10, designating Dec. 18, 2021, as “Wreaths Across America Day.” More than 2,500 cemeteries around the country participated in this year’s event.

wreaths
Many wreaths were placed on Saturday.

Camas, WA — A male Camas High student died Tuesday morning en route to school after his vehicle crashed through a fence and into a private Camas residence, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Camas High School (CHS) administration.

A male passenger was taken via ambulance to the hospital with critical injuries, where he later passed away, the deputies said. No one inside the house was injured. All of the vehicle’s passengers were minors. Local police responded to the crash at 8:14 am at Nourse Road and 280th Ct, close to CHS.

Deputies didn’t know if weather played a factor in this crash, but several students and parents reported icy conditions near the school, with at least three vehicles spinning off the road this morning.

CHS issued this statement:

“Today there was a tragic accident involving two CHS siblings. Both sustained injuries and one died at the hospital this morning. The other is expected to survive. At this time, we do not have permission from the family to release the students’ names.

“The news of this tragic event spread rapidly at our school, and we immediately had trained counselors from throughout our district on-site to help our students and staff. These specialized counselors will remain at our school to assist us as long as we need throughout this grieving process. This assistance will include support in our classrooms and for individual students as needed.

“We are also supporting the family of the student and will pass along any information they would like to share in the days ahead.

“As adults, it is difficult to understand the death of a child. It is even more challenging for our students to understand. In addition to the resources we have available at school, here is a comprehensive website to assist you with supporting your child: https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-grief/.”

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.

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.

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

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Power Pivot up close.

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.”