GARFIELD-PALOUSE SCHOOLS

SUPERINTENDENT'S CORNER

June  2021

20-21 What a Year It Has Been:

What can I say, but a year to remember! (or maybe not!)   We do appreciate the support and understanding that our students, parents, employees and community provided the school during this most challenging year!  Thank you!

On the first day of school for our elementary students last fall, I had someone snap a picture of us outside checking in students following Covid protocol and wearing our mask.  Never in our wildest dreams did we expect to still be in this same situation at the end of the school year, but here we are!  It is still unknown as the situation continues to constantly evolve, but we have hopeful expectations that we can get back to normal as much as possible to start the 21-22 school year this fall!  TBD  

2021 Summer Facility Projects:

Last summer we had a major pavement project taking place, but this summer we only have a couple of smaller facility upgrades in the works.  We plan to replace the sidewalk from the elementary up to the upper building with a properly slopped sidewalk that goes straight to the main building/gym entrance.  We also have some minor cement surface repair work and recoating scheduled.

Small School Modernization Grant Award

This summer may be simple with facility projects, but summer 2022 we expect to be extremely busy with major HVAC , electrical and roof improvements as Palouse received a 4.6 million grant for repairs and upgrades thanks to the 2021 legislature. We were hopeful this would happen a couple of years ago, but are extremely thankful that is has now come to fruition. Over the next few months, planning and design meetings will be taking place with the consulting firm to solidify the upgrades that can be implemented within the scope of the grant funds.   

New Superintendent

Mr. Mike Jones will be adding superintendent duties to his principal duties the first of July as I will be retiring. I started teaching in 1978 (Indiana) and it has been quite the journey with many varied experiences over the years, but never did I expect that during my final year in education we would all be wearing a mask! I think this year takes the cake as the most unique! 

I have enjoyed the opportunity of serving Palouse SD #301 these past 7 years as part time superintendent and appreciate the great support that the community provides the school.  You will be in good hands with Mr. Jones and he will provide the district with great leadership! 

Have a great day!

Calvin L. Johnson, Supt.

Palouse School Dist. # 301

GAR-PAL Cooperative Schools (Garfield SD # 302 & Palouse SD #301) does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  For questions and complaints of alleged discrimination or access to the Title IX, Section 504/ADA or Civil Rights Compliance Coordinators contact the Garfield superintendent at 509-635-1331 or Palouse superintendent at 509-878-1921.