Vancouver Public Schools announces
administrator/management salary freezes

Vancouver Public Schools has frozen salaries for central office administrators and managers, principals and associate principals for the next school year. The Vancouver Association of Principals and Associate Principals agreed to suspend salary increases that were approved previously by VAPA and the board of directors in a contracted agreement for 2008-2011.

“Given the current economic situation and the school district’s anticipated budget crisis, we feel this is the right thing to do,” said Curtis Smith, VAPA co-president and principal of Alki Middle School. “The jobs for school district employees and programs for students are at stake. We want to set an example and make a contribution now, rather than wait until our contract expires in 2011.”

Cowlitz tribal chairman says
Cowlitz will get reservation,
but Congressional action needed

In a letter to Cowlitz Casino Resort supporters, Cowlitz tribal chairman William Iyall stated, “At the end of the day, our federally recognized tribe will have a reservation.”

The U.S. Supreme Court this week issued a ruling that the U.S. government cannot hold lands in trust for Indian tribes that were recognized after 1934. The Cowlitz tribe was not recognized until 2002.

Iyall stated today: “Rest assured, various Indian leadership groups and organizations are working tirelessly to measure the impact of this decision and determine the appropriate steps to take, but there is no doubt there will be a need for Congressional action.”

Neither the Cowlitz nor the opponents of the proposed casino west of La Center have said the Supreme Court ruling would be a deal breaker.

WSU Vancouver chancellor
gets Case Leadership Award

Washington State University Vancouver Chancellor Hal Dengerink has been presented the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District VIII Leadership Award in recognition of his achievements as a visionary and successful leader.

The CASE District VIII Leadership Award honored Dengerink for his outstanding hard work in promoting understanding and support for education by creating a vision for WSU Vancouver and inspiring others to join in that vision. His positive image for the university successfully led WSU Vancouver through challenging times, while increasing the institution's stature in the community and its educational services within it.

Diehl and Williamson join
Clark College leadership team

   
     Shanda Diehl        Bob Williamson

Shanda Diehl has been named associate vice president of planning and effectiveness at Clark College, and Bob Williamson has joined the college as vice president of administrative services, it was announced today by college president Bob Knight.

Diehl will be responsible for institutional research, grants development, college strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness. She will serve as the accreditation and the legislative liaison for the college.

Williamson will be responsible for fiscal, facility, security, and information technology management.

Prior to joining Clark College, Diehl served as director of institutional research at Spokane Falls Community College. She is president of the Washington Association of Research and Planning and is a member of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. A graduate of Eastern Washington University, Diehl earned a masters degree in public health from the University of Washington.

Williamson most recently served as administrative services manager and was promoted to deputy director of Clark County Public Health. He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to Clark College.

Williamson is a graduate of Fort Steilacoom Community College, Tacoma, and Western Washington University, from which he also earned a masters degree in political science.

Williamson is a member of the Washington State Association of Head Start. He also served as chair of the Clark County Community Network and has been active with the National Head Start Association and the Public Health Executive Leadership Forum.

People

Mary Stone, Washougal pianist, who earned third place and a $250 scholarship in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s 15th annual Young Artists Competition, will not perform with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra during its April 18 and 19 concerts. The Insider was in error yesterday in reporting that she would play with the orchestra.

Calendar

Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard presents the State of the City address at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Feb. 26, in the Hilton Vancouver Washington. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Admission is a donation of nonperishable food for the Salvation Army. Reservations are required. For further information, call 487-8000. <> “Downsizing Tools for Tough Timers” is a free presentation by the Columbia River Economic Development Council, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Southwest Washington  Workforce Development Council, is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Rose F. Besserman Room in C-TRAN’s Fishers Landing. There is no charge and reservations are not required.

 Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber Community 

• City of Vancouver Calendar