MATTAWA - The Wahluke School District has refinanced the 2004 bond with which Wahluke High School was built, Superintendent Aaron Chavez reported in his monthly newsletter.

"The refinancing of this bond saved our taxpayers $400,000," he said.

Chavez announced that the district has created a video for showcasing the district at job fairs. It includes staff and students. The video will be updated with additional students and staff over the next few weeks.

"We will be developing a separate video, much like Wenatchee Learns, as we complete the Wahluke district road map," Chavez said.

According to Chavez, the weedy field just in front of the high school is going to disappear soon. It will be cleaned up by next school year and stocked with vocational program animals that elementary students will be able to visit.

"As many have heard me share, we are being told there are big shortages coming in the trades: Carpentry, Welding, Concrete, etc.," Chavez said. "We have to prepare our students for college and the workforce."

In an effort to prepare for the upcoming state budget and increased cost of fuel and miscellaneous supplies, Chavez said the district will fill internally the junior high principal position with Mia Benjamin.

Benjamin is the vice-principal at the high school. She will officially assume this new position on July 1.

"She has done a fantastic job at both the high school and alternative school this year and brings with her an extensive portfolio of knowledge and experience." Chavez said.