Class XXVII went back to school!
On December 14, 2023, the current LTC class met a diverse panel of educators and administrators from across the Tri-Cities.
The objective of the session was to look at how policy decisions on the state and federal level impact local schools and how educational leaders inspire a shared vision with their staff and community. The class also had the opportunity to interact with current students through tours of facilities and panel discussions.
The session featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda courtesy of our Session Day Sponsor, Yakima Federal. We would like to thank their Chief Lending Officer Ryan Siefken (in picture presenting) for welcoming the class, the Boys and Girls Club of Benton and Franklin Counties for sponsoring the session’s meals, and to Jennifer Behrends (Class XXV) for leading the class throughout the panel sessions.
Superintendent’s Panel
To kick off the day, the class heard from the three district Superintendents.
Michelle Whitney is the superintendent of the Pasco School District and is an LTC alumna of Class XVIII. Ms. Whitney has been a part of the Pasco School District for more than 26 years and began her journey as a Kindergarten teacher before becoming a School principal. Now, she oversees a district that has over 19,000 students and more than 2,500 staff and employees.
Dr. Shelley Redinger has been the Superintendent of the Richland School District since June of 2020. Prior to her time with RSD, she spent 8 years as the superintendent of the Spokane Public Schools which is the second largest school district in Washington State. In a recent open letter, Dr. Redinger discussed the variety of new classes and course offerings coming to the district including the addition of American Sign Language being added as a new World Language course.
In Kennewick, Dr. Traci Pierce has led a district of 19,200+ students and 2,200+ certificated and classified staff since January of 2020. Before she came to Kennewick, Dr. Pierce was a superintendent in the Lake Washington School District. In the 2023 community report, the KSD noted that a strategic pillar is that all community members are important collaborators – with that goal in mind, over 2,335 community volunteered in the schools/district in the 2021-22 school year.
Higher Education: Community Partnerships
The next panel included a discussion with the leaders of Higher Education institutions in the Tri-Cities.
Dr. Rebekah Woods is the President of Columbia Basin College (current class sponsor of Leadership Tri-Cities).
Since 1955, Columbia Basin College has been helping students learn English and prepare for college-level work, gain workforce skills, obtain an associate’s degree for transfer to a four-year university, or earn a Bachelors degree in on of their 8 programs. Dr. Woods “believes in the transformational power of an education and is committed to meeting the educational needs of the Tri-Cities…”
Dr. Sandra Haynes is the Chancellor of Washington State University – Tri-Cities. Dr. Hanyes holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Neuropsychology and holds a faculty position as a professor in the Department of Psychology at WSU. Her focus is on “Student Success, Research and Scholarship, Accessibility and Equity, Community Engagement, Campus Culture, and Institutional effectiveness.”
Tour of Tri-Tech
Paul Randall, the Director Tri-Tech, and Lisa McKinney (Class V), the Assistant Director guided the class through the diverse programs and a tour of Tri-Tech. Tri-Tech partners high schools to offer advanced technical and professional training.
Programs at Tri-Tech include:
- Auto Body Technology
- Cyber Security
- Construction Trades
- Radio Broadcasting & Audio Production
- Welding Technology
Check out the full catalog for Tri-Tech here.
Private School panel
The class interacted with a private school panel:
- Eric Haan, Principal of Bethlehem Lutheran
- Lisa Jacobs, President of Tri-Cities Prep
- Arlene Jones, Principal of St. Patrick’s
- Karen Bjur, Principal of Liberty Christian
The four private schools in the Tri-Cities center their mission and curriculum on faith-based education.
School Tour of Eastgate Elementary
The principal of Eastgate Elementary, Brittany Mercer, guided the class through a school tour. Eastgate’s mission is to provide a safe environment in which every student reaches his or her highest potential and is well prepared for success in secondary school education.
School Tour of Mid-Columbia Partnership
The Mid-Columbia Partnership’s mission is to ensure student success through personalized education, access to quality resources and innovative classes, and collaboration with families in a supportive educational environment. Travis Hatke, the Assistant Principal, guided the class during the tour, highlighting the school’s commitment to this mission.
Student Voice
After the tour of the MCP, the class came back to Tri-Tech for a fun discussion and demonstration with current students in the Kennewick and Pasco School Districts.
Thank you to the following students for giving us insight into your school:
- Mallory Dupaquier, KSD
- Annie Maltos, KSD
- Meia Ng, PSD
- Kimberly Joya Manzanarez, PSD
- Samantha Quiroga, PSD
Teacher’s Panel
The final panel of the day took place with three teachers from the Kennewick School District.
The class had a conversation with:
- Natalie Clemence, Vista Elementary
- Robin Ellis, Highland Middle School
- Joyce Donais, Kamikan High School