Summer update from Abby superintendent
It is hard to believe we have finished another school year. It seems like yesterday that it was Sept. 1 and we had begun the 2021-2022 school year. It was certainly a busy school year and a successful one for students and staff.
We have recently celebrated the graduation of our 2022 seniors. After a twoyear hiatus, we were able to have the ceremony back inside in the North Gym. I have no doubt that the members of the class of 2022 will be contributing members of society and successful in whatever they have chosen to do. Congratulations!
I am proud to be the District Administrator of such a tremendous district. I learned a lot during my first year in the position and still have a lot to learn. My goal each and every day is to do what is best for the district stakeholders. Here is a little recap of the big events of the year: The district’s pool was repaired and renovated. Thanks to $374,194.72 in community donations and the school board electing to take out a loan for the rest, district students and community members are able to take advantage of the new pool. Swimming lessons are filled each week as many students are learning the lifelong skill of swimming.
The Abbotsford and Colby school boards spent months studying the pros and cons of a consolidation. Ultimately, with a financial study showing no benefit, the consolidation study came to an end. The FEMA building plan was finalized and Market and Johnson won the bid for the building. Due to rising building costs because of inflation, the pandemic and material shortages, the cost of construction went up by $3.4 million. Thankfully, voters approved a $1.5 million referendum in April to help with the higher costs. Again, the community support was strong. Voters passed the referendum at a 69 percent rate. Community members and businesses also donated $340,500 toward the project. Great community support for our students and school! The project is scheduled to begin in August and be finished by June 2023.
We again managed to operate during a pandemic. Our staff have risen to the occasion for over two years. Oftentimes, we have been short staffed and staff members have filled in for each other. That might have meant giving up prep time to fill in or performing extra duties to make sure students received the best education possible. Hats off to our amazing staff !
The elementary, middle/high, and district all received a score of “exceeding expectations” on the DPI accountability report cards. These report cards are based on 2020-21 data. Congratulations staff and students!
With the school year ending, we also have the ending of the career of three of our staff members. Mr. John Slipek has taught agriculture education for the district for the last 47 years. Mrs. Patti Schoenborn has taught elementary music for the past 15 years. Mr. Jim Hodd has been a custodian for the district for the past 22.5 years. Congratulations to the three of you and best of luck on your retirement. You will be missed!
I am hoping everyone will be able to recharge over the summer and get ready for a great 2022-23 school year. I know staff will be busy this summer planning and getting read. Summer school is right around the corner. Stay safe and have an enjoyable summer. Thanks for a memorable 2021-22 school year! - Ryan Bargender, Abbotsford District Administrator
B ARGENDER SUPERINTENDENT
ABBOTSFORD SCHOOL D ISTRICT
