The La Conner School Board accepted a donation of 900 COVID-19 rapid tests from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community valued at $7,000 at its Feb. 28 meeting.

“This is a huge deal,” Board President Susie Deyo said. “We really want to thank the Swinomish Tribal Community for this donation.”

During surges in positive cases earlier in the school year, athletes had to be tested several times weekly.

The board voted 4-0 to accept the donation, with member J.J. Wilbur abstaining as he serves on the Swinomish Tribal Senate.

Elementary School Principal Heather Fakkema-Hovde discussed activities and assessments related to student academic growth in math and reading and staff emphasis on social-emotional skill-building. Teachers have begun pilot lessons in anticipation of adopting a new math curriculum.

She said a school goal is to reduce student discipline office referrals 20% by the end of the school year. Student discipline and attendance are two data points in the district equity policy.

La Conner Middle and High School Principal Christine Tripp reported on the district’s ongoing development of expanded CTE (career and technology education) opportunities, emphasizing local commercial industries such as fisheries, marine services, welding, agricultural sciences, firefighting, law enforcement, health care and hospitality and culinary arts.

“CTE is highly audited,” Tripp pointed out. “There are a lot of different boxes you have to check. All in all, we’re moving ahead.”

Tripp pointed out the potential in CTE for “articulating” high school classes to college courses. Wilbur applauded the concept. “The Swinomish Police Department needs officers,” he said. “We would love to grow officers here. There’s a lot of need.” He also spoke to the need to train firefighters to succeed those nearing retirement. He is a former Fire District 13 commissioner.