45 attend meeting at Ekalaka Elementary

Ekalaka Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Schrock said that forty-five people attended the district's community cross-over event last weekend at the grade school.

Those people, including students, staff members, board members, and community members, were split into seven tables for discussion.

The groups started off discussing the budget, which, according to Schrock, has remained relatively the same while expenses have continued to rise. State funding has also been cut.

Next, attendees transitioned the discussion to things that the district does well. Some of those noted were the new facility and the use of technology, specifically the fact that this year the district was able to get a chromebook for each student.

Participants also discussed things that can be improved at Ekalaka Public Schools. Schrock stated that there was "a lot of discussion about the thirty-eight year old high school that needs some love."

Other discussion topics throughout the day included: building a connector between the high school and grade school, the need for a new crow's nest, and a five-day versus a four-day school week.

Data collected throughout the afternoon by Dr. Daniel T. Farr has not yet been given to Schrock. It will include a list of the top goals for the district based upon input received from those at the meeting.

Overall feedback from attendees seemed to be positive, Schrock noted. "It was good to hear from the taxpayers and the public. There are things we are doing well, but at the same time, areas that need to be improved on."