FORKS — Quillayute Valley School District Superintendent Diana Reaume and district principals provided an update on district programs, achievements and challenges before the Forks Chamber of Commerce.
Reaume, now in her 20th year with the district and the longest-serving superintendent in the region, said she is committed to Forks.
“Most superintendents only stay about two years,” she told the chamber audience May 7. “My longevity shows I’m invested in this community.”
QVSD serves about 4,000 students, with 3,000 of them enrolled in its online learning program that began in 2006 with just seven students. The district operates with a $65 million budget, five school board members and employs about 200 staff, including coaches and substitutes.
Reaume shared a variety of district goals, including improving student performance while minimizing political interference in education.
Capital improvements also are a priority, including replacing the elementary school roof for $3 million and upgrading the baseball and fastpitch fields with artificial turf.
She praised the district’s successful “Grow Your Own” teacher and mentor program, noting, “All the principals here today are homegrown.”
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Forks High School, and the district is planning some special activities in the Fall.
Principal perspectives
Sarah Decker, in her first year as principal at Forks Elementary School, brings four years of administrative experience and most recently worked in Sequim. She aims to boost support systems and help students be “ready to learn” through a focus on social-emotional development and closing literacy and math readiness gaps.
Elena Velasquez, now in her eighth year as principal at Forks Middle School, spoke about the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It really affected students and staff,” she said, emphasizing new initiatives to foster belonging and community engagement.
The school now communicates with parents via text messages and the school website, replacing traditional letters.
Velasquez outlined goals to improve test scores and social-emotional support while continuing student-led activities like bake sales and service learning.
Brenda King, now in her second year as Forks High School principal, focused on increasing attendance, supporting freshmen through mentorship, and preparing all students for graduation.
Recent changes include implementing electronic hall passes and installing vape detectors to address growing concerns around student safety and substance use.
The district also plans to host a parent-focused event called Hidden in Plain Sight, aimed at helping families identify signs of substance abuse and understand that “Not My Kid” can be anyone’s kid.
Other highlights
Reaume noted a resurgence of an interest in music, particularly among younger students.
“We have about 60 kids in fifth-grade music, and they sounded great at the recent concert,” she said.
However, she also pointed to challenges facing the district, including the rise of social media-related bullying — even among the youngest students — and the burden of unfunded state mandates.
Reaume noted the high number of students — about 50 — dual-enrolled at Peninsula College has “gutted the high school,” making senior projects unlikely to return.
Regarding artificial intelligence in the classroom, Reaume said she sees potential benefits.
“AI can help translate materials and assist in lesson planning,” she said. “What used to take a teacher all day now takes just minutes.”
When asked about cell phone use in school, Reaume said, “We are cellphone-free during class — for students and staff,” and it’s improving the learning environment.”
She added that students with medical needs who require cellphone use are exempt.
Soaring insurance costs and ongoing safety concerns also remain on the district’s radar.
“We are proud of all our programs and the diverse student body we serve,” Reaume said.
