EPHRATA – The Ephrata School Board convened on September 29, for a regular meeting that showcased developments in the district, including the introduction of new certificated staff members, an update on student enrollment and recognition of community support. 

Superintendent Ken Murray opened the meeting by welcoming members of the public, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the educational process.  

New staff 

The highlight of the evening was the introduction of new certificated staff. 

“I’m thrilled to welcome these new certified staff to our district,” Superintendent Ken Murray said. “Each one of them brings unique strengths and experiences that are already positively impacting our students. They are excellent additions to our outstanding team of teachers, counselors and administrators. I look forward to seeing these new staff and the rest of our team continue to do all they can to support kids and their learning.”  

Adi Chavez Mendoza will serve as the bilingual extended resource teacher at Columbia Ridge Elementary and Parkway Intermediate. She said she is a proud alumna of Ephrata High School. Mendoza holds degrees in elementary education and special education from Whitworth University.  

Cassandra Schutt, a newly hired STEAM teacher at Ephrata Middle School, shared her passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. A native of Monroe, Washington, she has spent time as a substitute teacher and expressed her excitement about building long-term relationships with Ephrata students. 

Christopher Massimini, joining Parkway Intermediate as the school counselor, shared his aspirations for supporting students' emotional and academic development. With degrees in marriage and family studies and school counseling, Chris comes with valuable experience and was drawn to Ephrata due to its strong reputation. 

Ephrata Middle School welcomed two additional teachers: Dinora Gomez, a bilingual English language arts teacher with over five years of experience, and Kayla Tucker, an alumnus returning as an English language arts teacher. Tucker shared her journey from paraeducator to teacher, saying she has a strong connection to the district. 

The high school also saw two new additions: special education/transition teacher Kelly Warga, who moved from Moses Lake to be closer to family, and Meagan Haight, agriculture teacher, who brings seven years of teaching experience.  

Sydney Anderson was also introduced as a first-grade teacher at Grant Elementary, bringing her own positive experiences as a graduate of Ephrata High School and a background in curriculum instruction. 

Last but not least, Rosa Wafula, a bilingual multicultural coordinator and ELL teacher, rejoined Ephrata High School saying she wants to inspire students, echoing the mentorship she received during her own educational journey. 

Student enrollment 

Superintendent Murray provided an update regarding student enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year. The district initially budgeted for 2,575 Full-Time Equivalent students but reported an enrollment of 2,581.66 FTE in September, exceeding expectations.  

Murray explained that maintaining conservative budgeting practices protects financial resources and provides stability. The 2025-2026 budget for Kindergarten FTE was set at 165, taking into account recent enrollment trends. The enrollment for Kindergarten has seen a decline from an average of 180 FTE over ten years to just 166 FTE last year and 163 FTE this September. 

The fluctuations at the high school level were also noted, with some upperclassmen participating in alternative programs that prevent full course loads, subsequently affecting the district’s FTE. The district said it is exploring new opportunities for upperclassmen to retain FTE enrollment in the coming years. 

Student achievements 

The board also received a report from the Parkway Intermediate LEGO Robotics team, which participated in a national competition in New Jersey. The team, mentored by advisors Rachel Boruff and Julie Butterfield, ranked sixth out of 52 teams and presented their innovative project, “Space Germs,” which explored research aboard the International Space Station to help save coral reefs. 

Other  

During the meeting, the board approved out-of-state travel for Ephrata High School Livestock Judging Team members to compete in the NILE Livestock Evaluation Contest in Montana. Additionally, EHS baseball coaching staff received approval to attend the American Baseball Coaches Association National Convention in Ohio. 

The board expressed gratitude for community support by accepting a donation of $1,500 from Carol Moore, which will be allocated for classroom budgets and student needs. 

    The Parkway Pizzazz Lego Robotics team shared how their trip to national competition in New Jersey went. The team took sixth out of 52 other teams.
  

    The Parkway Pizzazz Lego Robotics team had the opportunity to see the Statue of Liberty when they traveled to New Jersey for the national Lego Robotics competition.