2007-08 annual report Report 2007-2008.pdf• Muriel Duncan, 28 years - Kindergarten Music Department • Kay McCauley, 25 years - Music Dept. Secretary Quality • Integrity • Accountability

NON PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAID

WALLA WALLA, WA 99362Permit No. 35

364 South Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

509.529.7713 (FAX)

509.527.3000

website: www.wwps.org

Board of DirectorsMax Carrera

Mary Jo Geidl

Anne Golden

Jim Lehmann

Cindy Meyer

This Annual Report is published bythe Walla Walla Public Schools Com-munications Department and is printedin-house.

For more information about the schooldistrict contact Communications Direc-tor Mark Higgins at: 509.526.6716 orby e-mail: [email protected].

Walla Walla Public Schools is an EqualOpportunity Employer and complieswith all the requirements of the ADA

Walla WallaPublic

Schools

Annual ReportA Report to our Stakeholders - 2007 | 2008

Walla WallaPublic

Schools

Quality | Integrity | Accountability | Respect | CourtesyOur Core Values

are more than mere words;

they’re our business!

District salutes this year’s retiring staff Thanks for a job well done!

Berney Elementary• Jack O’Brien, 18 years - 4th Grade teacher

Blue Ridge Elementary• Mary Ann Zapata, 30 years - Bilingual 2nd Grade

District Administration Office• Marilyn Brown, 41 years - Superintendent’s Secretary

Edison Elementary• Georgia Germain, 34 years - Library Media Specialist• Robert Van Donge, 40 years - Physical Education teacher

Garrison Middle School• Karen Sippert, 24 years - Head Secretary

Green Park Elementary• Kathy Rudell, 10 years - 2nd Grade

Lincoln Alternative High School• Russ Slack, 22 years - Head Custodian

Pioneer Middle School• Carrie Hickerson, 12 years - Special Ed. teacher• Janey McKern, 30 years, Head Secretary• Teri Voth, 30 years - Science teacher

Prospect Point Elementary• Rick Nebeker, 31years - Principal• Evie Dutton, 26 years - 1st Grade teacher• Cheryl Ford, 26 years - 4th Grade teacher• Jani Kay Smith, 35 years - 2nd Grade teacher

Sharpstein Elementary• Muriel Duncan, 28 years - Kindergarten

Music Department• Kay McCauley, 25 years - Music Dept. Secretary

Quality • Integrity • Accountability • Respect • Courtesy

It’s simple to sign up! Just go to theNews and Events area on the districtwebsite (www.wwps.org) and sign up!

We’ll e-mail you school closure an-nouncements, news briefs and more --directly to the computer of your choice.

What to look for next yearSuperintendent’s Message

12 Walla Walla Public Schools | Annual Report 1 Annual Report | Walla Walla Public Schools

Quality | Integrity | Accountability | Respect | Courtesy Quality | Integrity | Accountability | Respect | Courtesy

Campus Pride! Wa-Hi students complete campus beautification project

District Shining Stars Striving to be the best...

Busy year marks progressIt’s hard to believe another school year is

finished. This year was exceptionally busyas we tackled many large projects.

I’ve listed a few highlights below to giveyou a sense of the year’s work. I want tothank our staff, students, parents and com-munity for all the support.

Without this level of involvement and com-mitment we would not have realized thesuccess we did this school year.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and we’ll seeyou this fall.

2008-09 Projects• Edison construction project continues

• Boundary review/planning continues(To allow more students at new EdisonElementary and to balance enrollmentcounts)

• Comprehensive High School studypublic discussion

• Support Services facility planning andstudy

SuperintendentDr. Richard Carter

Going GreenTeacher’s Union provides scholarships

The Walla Walla Valley Education Association President Toni LynnSteele presents Wa-Hi Senior Danny DeBroeck with the WWVEAScholarship.

WWVEA ScholarshipThe WWVEA Scholarship was presented to Daniel DeBroeck. Thisscholarship requires the student to have a parent or guardian who isa current or retired employee of Walla Walla or College Place PublicSchools. His parents are Dennis and Kathi DeBroeck. He intends toget his AA degree at WWCC and then transfer to WSU and major inComputer Science. He someday wants to work for the FBI.

Donna Manuel Future Teacher ScholarshipThe Donna Manuel Future Teacher Scholarship goes to TarynCummings. She will be attending University of Idaho and wants tobecome an elementary educator and teach either 2nd or 3rd grade.

Facing the Challenge ScholarshipThe Facing the Challenge Scholarship goes to two students this year.The first recipient is Jennifer Riggle. She plans to become apsychologist and set up a private practice.

The second recipient is Sierra Morford. She plans to get her MBAin business and accounting. She also plans to own her own hair andmake-up salon.

“They are an amazing group of young adults and I wish them thebest,” said WWVEA President Toni Lynn Steele.

In an area known for its Blue Mountains andBlue Devils, the district is now recognized forbeing green. This year the district earned anational award for its energy conservationefforts.

Ed Graff of Energy Education, Inc. presentsDistrict Energy Manager John Butenhoff withthe Energy Pacesetter Award.

Over an eight year span, the district hastrimmed energy consumption more than 20percent thanks to its energy managementprogram. This effort has paved the way for $2.2million in savings.

“The superintendent and school board, alongwith other administration, faculty and staffmembers are to be commended for clearlyfulfilling their commitment to being goodstewards of the taxpayers’ money and theenvironment,” said Graff of Energy Education,Inc.

Butenhoff tracks energy consumption —including electricity, water, sewer, natural gasand fuel oil — using energy-accounting software.

This allows him to quickly identify and correctareas for even greater savings.

Highlights from the 2007-08 school year:

Successfully passed a four-year levy• Levy approval secures local funding for essential district programs and staff

Edison Construction Project• Spring groundbreaking -- project remains on schedule and within budget

Support Services Complex• Successfully sold 325 S. Park St. property to the YMCA• Studies for a new Support Services Complex have begun

Vocational Skills Center study• Successfully requested and received state funding for a feasibility study for a potential Vocational Skills Center

Transportation Cooperative• Organized a feasibility study for a Walla Walla Regional Transportation Co-Op that would offer area schooldistricts lower bus maintenance and bus parts expenses -- (bus service only cooperative)

High School Facilities Task Force• A community led task force successfully completed this School Board directed comprehensive study• Recommendations and conclusions were publicized this spring (see at: www.wwps.org)

Boundary Review/Study• Committee formed this fall and worked throughout the year• Information and public input sessions held this spring• Committee to reconvene this summer to make revisions and prepare for more public meetings in the fall

Alternative Programs Reorganization• Lincoln Alternative High School name change helped improve the school’s image and student morale• Alternative programs are now centralized to offer students individual services for their academic needs

2 Walla Walla Public Schools | Annual Report 11 Annual Report | Walla Walla Public Schools


Promoting Positive School Activities

Quality • Integrity • Accountability • Respect • Courtesy

Community Involvement Special thanks to our Partners in Learning

p

Walla Walla PublicSchools names this year’shonorees for the Graduatesof Distinction program.Honorees are: Claro E.Bergevin, Class of 1941,John E. (Jack) Pelo, Classof 1974, and GretchenMiller Kafoury, Class of1959.

Our Graduates of Distinctionwill serve as positive rolemodels for current and futurestudents.

As we celebrate with our dis-tinguished graduates andstaff members, we also bringhonor to Walla Walla PublicSchools. Quality education isour past, present and future.

District names 2008 Graduates of DistinctionClaro Bergevin

Class of 1941

Inspirational StaffChester Lybecker, FFAteacher, (deceased)and Bess Kirk, Algebrateacher, (deceased)

School Board Salute(L to R) School board membersMax Carrera, Anne Golden,Mary Jo Geidl, Cindy Meyer,and Jim Lehmann proudly dis-play their thank you plaques pre-sented to them in January as partof the School Board Apprecia-tion Month.

School board members volunteertheir valuable time each schoolyear to help ensure Walla Wallastudents receive a quality educa-tion.

Thanks for all you do to helpsupport Walla Walla children!

2007 Graduatesof Distinction

Barbara JohnsonClass of 1967

Neil FollettClass of 1946

Walk of Fame greeting for Washington’s “first husband”

League changes bring back Big Nine ConferenceWalla Walla High School Athletic Director Don Wilkins reported to

school board members this spring the Big Nine Conference is returningafter a two year stint as the Columbia Basin League.

Wilkins said the 4A conference will be split into two divisions (seebelow) and consist of 12 teams. Three 3A schools (Hanford, West Val-ley, Sunnyside) were allowed to join for scheduling purposes, but willcompete in 3A post season tournaments.

Three 3A teams (Kamiakin, Kennewick, Southridge) have opted to“play up” and will compete as 4A equal members.

Wilkins reported the newly formed league will cut down travel time, al-low student-athletes more time in class and maintain traditional rivalries.

“It was a long process, but we have schedules for the next two years,Wilkins said. “These are positive changes.”

Cascade DivisionEastmontEisenhowerHanford (3A)Kamiakin (3A - Opt up)RichlandWalla WallaWest Valley (3A)Chiawana (opens 2009)

Columbia DivisionDavisKennewick (3A - Opt up)Moses LakePascoSouthridge (3A - Opt up)Sunnyside (3A)Wenatchee

Thanks to the Selection Committee• Joanne Martin, Chair• Wilber Pribilsky• Anne Golden• Peggy Sanderson• Ned Shafer• Art Griff• Abe RobertsJohn “Jack” Pelo

Class of 1974

Inspirational StaffBill Bieloh, Mathteacher and coach

Gretchen Miller KafouryClass of 1959

Inspirational StaffRussell Larson, bandteacher, (deceased) andFay Hamm, Englishteacher, (deceased)

New Prospect Point Garden

Prospect Point 5th Grade student AnneBaker waters a tomato plant as part of anew school garden project that enricheseducational opportunities.

The garden currently includes 14 mini-plots and will be planted and cared for by12 different classrooms. Additional instruc-tion is being offered on using organic meth-ods in gardening.

Prospect Point teachers Lance Longmire(5th grade) and Kris Takemura (Kindergar-ten) are organizing the project with the helpof Wa-Hi teacher Arch McHie, and some ofhis agriculture students, and local farmers.

Green Park student wins math contestGreen Park 5th grade student Russell

Skorina took first place in the individualcategory while Green Park Elementaryearned top team honors during the annualWalla Walla Valley Math Contest. More than150 fourth and fifth grade students from 13schools competed.

With the help of more than 40 volunteersincluding teachers, Explorer parents andcommunity members, these students weregiven the chance to compete.

Special thanks to Volunteer LauraSchueller for coordinating the contest.

Governor Christine Gregoire’s husband Mike visited Blue Ridge El-ementary during a trip to Walla Walla this spring. Gregoire toured theschool, played a civics learning game with 5th grade students and reada story to third grade students. Gregoire stressed the importance ofeducation to the students and said it is the key to success.

10 Walla Walla Public Schools | Annual Report 3 A Report to our Stakeholders | Walla Walla Public Schools


Successful Schools Closing the Achievement GapQuality • Integrity • Accountability • Respect • CourtesyStrategic Plan Progress Report

Highlights from 2007-2008

Goal 1. Develop a 21st century learning community that supports continuous learning through relevant and alignedcurriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development.

Progress areas:• During the 2007-08 school year, Walla Walla Public Schools offered more than 130 professional development opportunitiesfor teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, specialists and classified personnel. These represent more than 800 hoursof training, with the goal of improved learning and achievement for all district students.

• One of the primary focuses this year was K-12 mathematics instruction. Elementary teachers met to learn new teachingand assessment strategies to supplement their existing math instruction. Secondary teachers developed plans for improveddelivery of mathematics instruction, with the goals of supporting teaching and learning and better preparing our youngpeople for graduation, college and the workforce. This work will continue during the 2008-09 school year.

Goal 2. Improve two-way communication with parents, schools, students and the community.Progress areas:• US Netcom Automated Telephone System -- This system allows the district to send automated telephone calls to

parents and staff in a matter of minutes. Calls are made for emergency notices and school announcements.

• Created a new Walla Walla High School website -- www.wahibluedevils.org.

• Established a community-based High School Facilities Task Force to study future high school facilities needs.

• This year the district piloted the Online Grades program for elementary grade levels. This service, including electronicreport cards, will be available districtwide for elementary grade levels for the 2008-09 school year.

Goal 3. Plan and build state-of-the-art facilities with technology to enhance educational opportunities.Progress areas:

• The Technology & Telecommunications Department has worked on the planning and specifications for the 21st centurytechnology that will be part of every teaching area in the new Edison school. To facilitate integration of the new technolo-gies into classroom instruction, plans are under way to provide three demonstration stations at the current campus fortraining purposes. The District Technology Master Teachers are developing training materials and will collaborate with theEdison staff to provide training and support centered around new instructional practices to enhance student learning.

• Quality learning environments continue to be a priority and updates in computer hardware and software have taken placethroughout the school year.

• The OSPI online technology integration survey completed by our teaching staff and 8th grade students has provided abaseline and a focus for continued technology staff development aimed at assisting both groups to achieve minimumtechnology competencies.

• Established the Walla Walla Homelink Virtual School program (program begins Fall 2008). See more at www.wwps.org.

Committee Highlights Community Involvement Key to Success

Boundary Committee to study input and make revisionsThank you for taking time to provide input on the district’s boundary study. We want to work in partnership with

parents and the community throughout this process. We understand this is an emotional issue and we are sensitive tothe impact it may have on families. The recent public meetings were just one step of a long process of getting inputfrom families before making revisions to our current proposals.

We asked for input and we heard your responses. Many of you shared the concern that we need to focus on maintainingenrollment boundaries that support neighborhood schools in Walla Walla. You understood the difficulty this presentsand shared many strong ideas and suggestions that will be used by the committee to refine the scenarios.

Over the summer, the Boundary Review Committee will reconvene and carefully review the input we received. It isapparent there are pros and cons with all three scenarios we presented. We heard many great suggestions and constructiveinput during our public meetings and on the website. This feedback will be carefully considered in making adjustmentsthat best meet the needs of all our students, families and the district. We will draft new scenarios for boundary adjustments.

We plan to schedule three public meetings to share the updated draft(s) throughout the fall (see dates below). Wevalue your input and we’ll make sure you have plenty of notice in advance so you can plan to attend.

Thanks again for your support and involvement.Chris Gardea & Dana Jones, Co-Chairs

Committee MembersRoger Bairstow Dondi CortinasAnne Golden Kurt HoffmanMike Lambert Katrina ManningTim McCarty Steve OlsonDonna Painter James PayneLaure Quaresma Julie SievertsonPeter Swant Staci WanichekNancy Withycombe

High School Facilities Task Force publishes detailed report on district websiteGroup urges public discussion on issues

This school year a High School Facilities Task Forcewas formed to study high school facility needs. Thegroup met throughout the school year to study numer-ous issues and ideas.

Their efforts developed into a final report includingconclusions and recommendations which were publishedin May. This report is available online at www.wwps.organd hard copies are available at the district office.

The High School Facilities Task Force expects thisreport to serve as a springboard for more discussion.Please take time to review the report and weigh in onwhat you see. Thanks for your time and thoughtful con-sideration as we strive to support Walla Walla children.

Cindy Meyer and John Rowley, Co-Chairs

High School Task Force MembersDarcy Weisner Scott Krivoshein Lawson KnightJim McCarthy Mike Pettyjohn Jim HaynerCindy Widmer Clint Gabbard Mindy MeyerJim Sporleder Max Carrera Rob AhrensNanqi You John Butenhoff Dave WarkentinRuth Russo Ruth Ladderud Carina StillmanEverett Knudson John Rowley James PayneDick Cook Jim Sanders Jody SchneidmillerLinda Newcomb LaDessa Smelcer

Report Online - www.wwps.org (Click on A to Z area --proceed to High School Facilities Task Force)

Comments: Send or phone your comments to DistrictCommunications Director Mark Higgins.• E-mail: [email protected] • Telephone: 509.526.6716

Boundary Review Committee Next Steps:• Reconvene committee and study input• Use input to make revisions to current proposals• Conduct public meetings (Fall 2008)

Fall 2008 Public Meetings• Wednesday, Sept. 10 7 p.m. Green Park• Wednesday, Oct. 1 7 p.m. Blue Ridge• Wednesday, Oct. 29 7 p.m. Prospect Point



Community Partners

?

Altrusa Bowling Bee

City of Walla Walla Parks Recreation and UrbanForestry Board member Katherine Weingart plantsred oak seedlings for Prospect Point students duringthis year’s Arbor Day celebration.

Prospect Point Elementary second grade studentshelped plant three trees at Mountain View Cemeteryas part of an Arbor Day activity organized by theCity of Walla Walla.

Mayor Dan Johnson served as the event masterof ceremonies.

Local attorney and volunteer Gary Ponti discusses WallaWalla’s Italian Heritage with Pioneer Middle School 8th gradestudents in Brad Ludwig’s class as part of the Junior Achieve-ment program.

Junior Achievement Worldwide is a partnership betweenthe business community, educators and volunteers. JuniorAchievement’s hands-on, experiential programs teach the keyconcepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financialliteracy to young people all over the world.

(L-R) Citizens for Schools Co-Chairs and sis-ters Jennifer Northam and Katie Christiansoninform community members about the 2008 levyelection during a public rally at the YMCA.

Personnel Department Supporting educators to be their best

Outstanding staff recognized by peersCongratulations to this year’s Staff Achievement Grant

recipients. Staff Achievement Grant Winners are nomi-nated and chosen by teachers and support staff forsuperior performance, innovation; exemplary leader-ship; exceptional service or contributions to the WallaWalla Public Schools.

• Shannon JonesScience Teacher - Pioneer Middle School

• Lucy GregoireFirst Grade Teacher - Blue Ridge Elementary

• Mike GobelMath Teacher - Walla Walla High School

• Margi AultAdministrative Assistant - Personnel Department

• Elissa Stites5th Grade Teacher - Green Park Elementary

Staff Achievement Grant Winners receive a $1,500stipend and five days of paid release time for profes-sional growth activities.

These outstanding educators are recognized by theirpeers as the best of the best. Congratulations!

Personnel Department Highlights

Administrative changes in place for 2008-09

• Chris Gardea, Curriculum Department, will replace RickNebeker as Principal at Prospect Point Elementary. Nebekeris retiring after 31 years of service.

• Patricia “Pat” Johnston accepted the position as ChiefFinancial Officer.

• Liz Campeau accepted the position as Assistant Director ofPersonnel

Walla Walla teachers earn national certificatesThis school year Walla Walla Public Schools teachers Mat-

thew Bayley (Walla Walla High School), Missy Johnson(Green Park Elementary), Casey Monahan (Walla Walla HighSchool), and Curtis Schafer (Walla Walla High School) earnedcertification through the National Board for Professional Teach-ing Standards.

Requirements included authoring a detailed professional port-folio, video taping classroom instruction and passing a chal-lenging assessment to test subject knowledge. These teachersearned a 10-year certificate and will receive a $5,500 annualstipend.

New Hires for 2008-2009 School Year

Administrators - 1 Teachers - 23Support Staff - 13 Approximate - hiring numbers subject to change)

District Staffing (as of Summer 2008)

Administrators - 34 Teachers - 396Support Staff - 369

District Enrollment (2007-2008)Student counts based on “Head Count”

• In-School programs___________5864• All programs________________5995

Junior Achievement Partner

Arbor Day Keepsake

Citizens for Schools Rally

Altrusa President Sandi Blackaby and Green Park Principal MikeLambert congratulate Green Park student Juan Pena for scor-ing the highest mark in the Altrusa Bowling for the Bee contest.

Support key to success for new teachersNew teachers participated in orientation and coaching

activities prior to the start of the school year andcontinued with monthly follow-up meetings to learnmore about various aspects of working for Walla WallaPublic Schools.

Secondary teachers continued with training oninstructional practices and secondary coaches continuedto work with staff members at their various schools.

In addition to the prior activities, work in 2008-09 willalso focus on classroom management programs for newand veteran teachers, with some work in grade levelgroupings.



Curriculum Department Student achievement is our #1 PriorityIt has been an action-packed and productive year in regard to professional development in Walla Walla Public Schools.District employees have worked hard this year to perfect their craft and improve student achievement. The followingsummary highlights some of the major professional development that was offered during this school year and isaligned to our Strategic Plan. This list is not exhaustive, as schools and different departments provided additionalprofessional development based on individual school/department goal plans (see online at: www.wwps.org).

MathematicsElementary and middle school teachers received training throughout the year on supplemental math programs to helpwith computational fluency, number and intervention strategies in math. Teacher leaders participated in monthly sessionson computational fluency, pacing of instruction and initial work with new state math standards. High school teachersworked on developing common assessments for algebra instruction and began work on geometry unit plans. Professionaldevelopment in 2008-09 will see continued work on computational fluency and number, as well as implementation ofnew state math standards for all teachers.

ScienceSecondary science teachers participated in science institutes, developed tools for evaluating probes, and worked diligentlyon inquiry models for science classes. Elementary teachers participated in grade level focus group sessions on scienceinstruction, with fourth and fifth grade teachers also meeting to review WASL science preparation. The focus for2008-09 will be elementary science kit training for new and new-to-grade-level teachers and a K-12 review of revisedScience Grade Level Expectations (GLEs), which are expected to be published in December. Rob Ahrens of WallaWalla High School received special grant funding for 2008-09 to help coach science instruction at the secondary level,in addition to teaching several science classes at the high school level.

WritingElementary writing leaders met five times throughout the year and focused on sharing writing strategies with theirpeers. All elementary students took part in three Common Writing Assessments to help teachers have a betterunderstanding of writing instruction needs in their classrooms. Secondary students also participated in CommonWriting Assessments. Teachers participated in professional development to score the assessments. The assessmentwill continue next year and teacher professional development will focus on instructional practices, the use of technologyin writing, and the use of shared folders on the web.

Other Curricular Highlights• High School English and Foreign Language teachers finalized new curriculum adoptions this year.• Physical Education, Social Studies, and Arts Department staff worked on state requirements for standardized Curriculum

Based Assessments (CBAs). These assessments will take place for the first time during the coming school year.• Handwriting curriculum materials are being piloted in two schools. Blue Ridge is using Handwriting Without Tears

and Edison is using Living Letters.• Administrators/teachers (K-12) participated in S.T.A.R. Protocol trainings. This professional development, focused

on student engagement and not teacher performance, will continue in 2008-09.

2008-09 Professional Development Focus Areas• Spanish language instruction at the middle school to meet the needs of a variety of students (dual, bilingual, new to

district), with implementation scheduled for the fall of 2009• Physical Education teachers meeting to align instruction to new state Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) and to

continue their work on Curriculum Based Assessments• Using results of standardized assessments to guide classroom instruction

WASL Wrap-Up: Washington Assessment of Student Learning (Percent of Students Meeting Standard) 3rd

Grade 4th

Grade 5th

Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade 10th

Grade ’06 WWPS 70.0% 82.6% 73.0% 61.3% 63.0% 71.6% 81.7% ’07 WWPS 67.1% 79.7% 68.6% 61.8% 63.8% 71.1% 78.9% Reading ‘07 WA State 70.9% 76.6% 71.9% 68.0% 68.7% 65.0% 80.8% ’06 WWPS 54.7% 64.1% 77.6% ’07 WWPS 58.0% 67.6% 79.5% Writing ’07 WA State 60.2% 68.4% 83.9% ’06 WWPS 61.6% 53.5% 46.9% 45.1% 49.0% 46.5% 52.1% ’07 WWPS 60.5% 54.1% 53.3% 35.3% 44.9% 48.5% 50.5% Math ‘07 WA State 69.5% 58.1% 59.5% 49.6% 54.6% 49.8% 50.4% ’06 WWPS 36.3% 47.3% 44.3% ’07 WWPS 32.7% 48.9% 43.8% Science ‘07 WA State 36.5% 44.6% 36.4%

Note: Shaded areas represent grade levels which were not tested in the particular subject area.

Scores from many of ourassessments in 2007-2008 reveal theneed for continued and intense focuson mathematics.

A state-wide review and re-write ofthe mathematics standards and targetsat all grade levels indicate the statemath assessment will change for thespring 2010 WASL testing, includingend-of-course assessments in the highschool algebra and geometry courses.

While near state averages at many grade levels, thepercent of students meeting standard on the reading WASLdid decline from the district 2006 percentages, reinforcingthe need to have tools identifying the specific needs ofstruggling readers early and to provide appropriateinterventions and assistance.

All grade levels saw modest gains in the percent ofstudents meeting standard on the writing WASL as

How is assessment data used?Data gathered from assessments are used for a variety ofpurposes in the district:• We use multiple measures to assess individual studentachievement and provide performance feedback tostudents, staff, and parents.• Information from the assessments help staffindividualize and differentiate instruction.• We also review data to evaluate program effectivenessand to improve curriculum, instruction, and professionaldevelopment.

District Assessment ToolsDuring the 2007-2008 school year, students in Walla Walla Public Schools participated in a variety of federal, state, district,and classroom assessments including the following:• Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL)• Washington Language Proficiency Test (WLPT),• Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) reading and math tests• Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy (DIBELs) assessment on reading fluency• Mathematics Computational Fluency (AIMSweb)• Common Writing Assessment• Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs)

compared to the previous year. Science WASL scores atthe middle school and high school level continue to be wellabove the state average.

At the high school level, meeting standard on the readingand writing sections of the WASL test continues to be agraduation requirement. Math and science will be placedback on the requirement list in 2013.

Math continues to be area of focus for district and state

Ron HigginsAssessment Director


Quality | Integrity | Accountability | Respect | Courtesy Oscar Graybill Quality | Integrity | Accountability | Respect | Courtesy

F i s c a l IntegrityQuality • Integrity • Accountability • Respect • CourtesyEdison Elementary construction project on schedule

In May, Walla Walla Public Schools, Chervenell ConstructionCompany, John Evans from Architects West and students and facultyfrom Edison Elementary participated in a ground breaking ceremonyfor the new Edison Elementary School.

This $17 plus million project is scheduled to be finished for thebeginning of the 2009-2010 school year and should significantly increasethe student capacity of Edison Elementary.

The school district purchased seven houses just to the east of theexisting elementary school and sold the structures through a bid process,leaving a larger site to accommodate the new school and playground.

The new school is a two-story structure with space for a outdoorclassroom. The City of Walla Walla agreed to close a portion of HobsonStreet to accommodate the new school. The project is on schedule andpromises to be a facility we can all be proud of.

Pat Johnston, Chief Financial Officer

District Financial ResourcesThe district receives 72% of its revenue from the state, 16% locally, and 12% from federal sources. The total general fundbudget for the 2007-2008 school year was $55,304,836 which averages an expenditure of approximately $9,570 per student.

Cost to educate one student for one day! $53.16

Technology Department Supporting 21st Century Learning

Technology Department 2007-2008 Highlights

• Walla Walla High School – Installation of 39 newcomputers for teachers and repurposing of 30 others;computers were purchased with one-time dollars fromthe state

• Lincoln Alternative High School – Installation of 18new computers for staff; funded by district and E-raterebates

• Prospect Point Elementary – Installation of 71computers for all staff, the computer lab and the librarymedia center, and repurposing of 25 computers to studentstations; purchased with district and E-rate rebates

• Berney Elementary – Installation of 31 new computersfor staff and repurposing of 15 computers; blendedfunding from district, PTA, and Administrative Match

Janis Barton, Technology DirectorThis year we spent countless hours upgradingtechnology across the district to provide toolsto improve and enhance classroom instruction.

Thank you to Principals and ComputerCoordinators who have workedcollaboratively on the strategies and processesthat are necessary to make the undertaking ofsuch big projects a successful group effort.See more details below.

Also, the installation of many multimedia teaching stations at Sharpstein, Green Park, Berney, Pioneer, Walla WallaHigh School and Lincoln Alternative High School was designed to enhance the teaching and learning experience fordistrict students. These stations consist of various combinations of video projectors, electronic boards, document cameras,DVD players, computers and speakers or sound field systems. They are a tremendous asset to our district.

Next year, the district Media Center materials will be checked out from school libraries and the Science MaterialsCenter. Special thanks to Secretary Lisa Davis for her service and support in these areas. She will be missed from ourDepartment. Thanks again for a great school year.

Visit Technology Showcase at the Fair!

Please stop by the Education Building at the Walla WallaFair and Frontier Days Labor Day Weekend and visit the“Technology in Our Schools” booth to see the great workour teachers have done to integrate technology into theircurriculum.

Come in and interact with the excellent student techprojects which demonstrate our students’ enthusiasm forand use of the tech resources available in district classrooms.

“The purpose of these upgrades has beento provide technology tools to improveand enhance classroom instruction.”

Janis Barton

“The Technology & TelecommunicationsTeam completed 3,254 Service Requestsduring the past fiscal year. Special thanksgoes to my staff for their tireless effortsto provide good customer service andsupport for our classrooms.”

Janis Barton

REVENUES PER PUPIL$/FTE Student % $/FTE Student %

Local 1,215.21$ 13.7% 1,760.51$ 20.1%State 6,384.40$ 72.1% 6,136.57$ 70.1%Federal 1,157.56$ 13.1% 807.51$ 9.2%Other 100.32$ 1.1% 47.30$ 0.5%Total Revenue 8,857.49$ 8,751.89$

EXPENDITURES PER PUPIL$/FTE Student % $/FTE Student %

Salaries and Benefits 7,347.22$ 83.4% 7,215.92$ 83.0%Supplies and Instructional Materials 576.18$ 6.5% 529.12$ 6.1%Purchased Services 714.31$ 8.1% 874.72$ 10.1%Travel 57.20$ 0.6% 26.21$ 0.3%Capital Outlay 116.09$ 1.3% 46.03$ 0.5%Total Expenditures 8,811.00$ 8,692.00$

Walla Walla Public Schools Washington State

Walla Walla Public Schools Washington State

Refinancing of bonds saves Walla Wallataxpayers quarter of a million dollars

This spring the district refinanced a portionof its outstanding bonds in order to takeadvantage of lower interest rates.

This move saved taxpayers more than onequarter of a million dollars. The approximately$256,000 in savings will flow directly totaxpayers through reduced tax levies and isnot available for district expenses.

This is a direct savings to our communitymembers in the form of taxes they expected,but will not have to pay.

Business Office

* Information from the Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction (2006-2007)

2006-07*

2006-07*

Documents

2007-08 annual report Report 2007-2008.pdf• Muriel Duncan, 28 years - Kindergarten Music Department • Kay McCauley, 25 years - Music Dept. Secretary Quality • Integrity • Accountability