Tigers, Legos and farewells at Ephrata schools meeting

EPHRATA – During the Nov. 25 Ephrata School Board meeting there was a presentation on the First Lego League. Then there was discussion around electronic doors, new kitchen equipment and a donation. The meeting ended with a farewell to Board Director Anita Waller who has resigned her position to focus on personal matters.  

Legos 

Students from Grant Elementary, Columbia Ridge Elementary, and Parkway Intermediate schools are set to showcase their technological prowess at the upcoming First Lego League competition in Pasco on Dec. 14. The event will feature nearly 60 teams from communities across Central Washington competing in a variety of robotic tasks, each aligned with this year's theme of underwater research and exploration. 

During a recent school board meeting, the four participating Lego robotics teams provided a preview of their projects. The Grant Elementary team, known as the "Grant Goliaths," has focused on developing safer fishing nets for killer whales. In contrast, the Columbia Ridge team, dubbed "Ridge Robotics," is working on a shark-shaped capsule designed to clean coral reefs. Finally, the Parkway Intermediate team, called "Parkway Pizzazz," is researching engineered organisms named Super Power and Carefully Engineered Germs (S.P.A.C.E Germs), which aim to eliminate algae that deplete oxygen levels in coral ecosystems. 

Facility issues 

The board approved a contract with e3 Solutions of Yakima for the integration of new electronic doors at Parkway Intermediate. This initiative, resulting in the installation of five new doors, will enhance security features in line with existing electronic systems. The total cost of the project is just less than $22,000, and the installation work is expected to occur during the upcoming Winter Break. 

The school board also reviewed plans for new kitchen equipment at Grant Elementary, Parkway Intermediate, and Ephrata High School. Earlier this year, the district was awarded a $165,000 Healthy Kids-Healthy Schools Grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. This funding will facilitate necessary kitchen renovations and equipment upgrades across the schools, including Vulcan Ovens, commercial dishwashers, and various storage units. 

The generosity of local community members was recognized, particularly Stemilt Growers, whose $1,000 donation will be allocated to purchase winter clothing for students in need at Columbia Ridge and Grant Elementary schools. 

Board resignation 

The board bid farewell to Director Anita Waller, who concluded her six-year tenure on the board during the meeting. Waller stepped down during the Sept. 23 meeting, letting her fellow members know she was going to leave at the end of the year. The Nov. 25 meeting was Waller’s last meeting in her role. The board is currently doing interviews to find her replacement.  

Superintendent Ken Murray praised Waller's contributions and unique perspective, emphasizing her significant role in the district's achievements.