Spartans on the Move!

On Tuesday, April 21, Vanessa Haggett, principal; Jared Hughes, CTE Natural Resources and Forest Products teacher; and Colter Goettemoeller, forestry student, attended an event with federal and state of Idaho dignitaries at KTech in Rathdrum. 

Dignitaries included: Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education; Brad Little, governor of Idaho; Debbie Critchfield, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

At the KTech event, teachers and students from Priest River Lamanna High School, Potlatch High School, and the University of Idaho were able to share work being done for workforce development in the Forest Products Industry. 

Mr. Hughes shared about our involvement with the Idaho Career Ready Students program, work to develop the Idaho Forest Products pathway and standards and the great things students are working on. Some of those things are learning to use a portable sawmill, fly drones, GIS software, etc.

 It was a great experience for all involved as we were able to share the great work being done in WBCSD and the State of Idaho to improve workforce development!

Whitworth University Education Career Fair

Tommy Hansen, principal at Priest Lake Elementary School; Lynn Parker, principal at Priest River Elementary School, and Kim Spacek, superintendent, ventured to Whitworth University on Wednesday, April 22, to recruit teachers to fill open positions. 

The picture shows the swag developed by Kirstina Kenny, director of Special Education. West Bonner County School District was one of two school systems from Idaho, Coeur d’Alene being the other district. 

There were several private schools along with many from across Washington. The North Slope School District from Alaska traveled the furthest to recruit. Between 15 and 25 future graduates dropped by the table to visit and learn about the schools in our district. 

Several students we saw were searching for science at the secondary level. A large number of students were interested in elementary education. When students came to the table, they introduced themselves with their name and a handshake right away. 

It was evident they had been coached on this etiquette to introduce themselves professionally. The map on the table, produced by Julie Beherens, CTE teacher, helped use show these students where there was an opportunity to teach. 

Many students were familiar with the area and were impressed with the list of staff from high schools around the area. As a follow-up, students who left their resumes received an email thanking them for their interest. This recruiting trip was worth the effort as the district may land a teacher wanting to locate in a rural school system. 

This event helped us connect with teachers new to the profession!  

    (L-R) Tommy Hansen and Lynn Parker at Whitworth University on April 22.