3 new hires and 1 resignation
The Royal Register News
ROYAL CITY - The Royal School District has hired three new teachers for 2015-16, the board of directors was informed at its meeting last week. One is a rehire.
Mark Kondo, who became the counselor at the high school in the 2013-14 school year, has been hired for a third time. According to RHS Principal Matt Ellis, he must be rehired each year because he is a retiree out of the Othello School District.
"He has agreed to give us one more year," Ellis said.
Katrina Werlinger, a recent graduate of Royal High School, will become the Royal High math teacher, replacing Cliff Thompson, who retired at mid-year. She has been teaching in the Wahluke School District.
Ellis said other teachers have filled in for the past half year to make sure all math needs were covered.
The third new hire is Jerred Copenhaven. He will teach fifth grade reading and social studies at the Royal Intermediate School.
On the other side of the teacher equation, track coach and teacher Lyndsy Roberts has resigned from all duties. He is reportedly going to focus on the family farm.
The board also learned that first grade teacher Kathleen O'Brien has been given the District's Above & Beyond Award. She was nominated by Federal Programs Director Carolyn Bunch.
O'Brien has been instrumental in the development of the district's Mentor/Mentee Program, Bunch said. This program places experienced teachers with first and second-year teachers.
Together, the mentor and mentee meet once a month for training. O'Brien provides meaningful professional development and works to ensure that new teachers are provided with the support they need.
O'Brien has taught for 40 years, 34 years for Royal School District. "Her years of experience have made her a valuable mentor and a knowledgeable person to lead the Mentor/Mentee Program," Bunch said.
"I appreciate her commitment and passion in providing strong foundations for teachers new to the district. Kathleen is a wonderful asset to the Royal School District and to the Mentor/Mentee Program."