Highlights at North Thurston Public Schools’ Board of Directors June 18 meeting included a celebration of retiring Superintendent Dr. Debra Clemens and the swearing-in of incoming Superintendent Troy Oliver. Clemens will retire at the end of June, and Oliver will begin his new role on July 1, 2024.
The meeting kicked off with a musical presentation from South Bay Elementary School’s chorus. The singers, decked out in 70s attire, sang a selection of 1970s songs: “YMCA,” “I’m Still Standing,” “We Are Family,” and “Dancing Queen.”
Board President Gretchen Maliska delivered remarks on Clemens’ tenure as superintendent and the accomplishments she brought to the district. “Dr. Clemens has led our district through significant changes” that would not necessarily be evident to those who had not witnessed them.
“Deb has grown leaders,” she noted. Clemens also oversaw the establishment a dual language English-Spanish program in two elementary schools, expansion of dual credit college and technical education offerings to over 100, established a partnership with the Nisqually Tribal Council, among many other achievements.
“We are truly grateful for all your contributions. You have left a lasting impact on our district,” Maliska thanked Clemens.
Board Vice President Jennifer Thomas presented Clemens with an award and a sash. Maliska gave her a book in recognition of her dedication to literacy.
Clemens recalled receiving a phone call in her car while taking her daughter to a soccer game when she was offered the job. She thanked her husband, Jeff, and daughters, Kate and Lizzie, for their support over the years.
Hanford McCloud, from the Nisqually Indian Tribe and a former council member, spoke of the connections which Clemens fostered between school district and tribe. “The work is a relationship, not a partnership.”
Willie Frank, III [a 2000 graduate of North Thurston High School] was Tribal Council Chairman while the relationship began, McCloud noted, adding that NTPS Board is the only board with which Frank forged a relationship.
“What a wonderful job you did here,” McCloud told Clemens. He presented her with a Nisqually pendant of cultural significance.
The meeting paused for a brief reception celebrating Clemens’ work and legacy, with cookies and drinks for all.
Next, Director of Activities, Arts, and Athletics Haley Ortega recognized Timberline High School student Leilani Cherry, recipient of the Association of Washington School Board Principals Award. The student-artist's work, titled “Tuesday 7:23 am,” earned an award at the regional level and advanced to the 51st Annual State Superintendent’s High School Art Show.” Cherry’s art teacher, Katy Govan, spoke of the young artist’s achievements.
Director for Equity and Languages Antonio Sandifer presented the 2024 Dick Williams and Bonnie Evans Awards. The Multicultural Advisory Council selects the recipients.
The winners are a mother-son duo. David Free, a Class of 2024 graduate of River Ridge High School, was honored for his involvement as a minority multicultural student leader, Sandifer explained. Lois Tolbert Wollo, a custodian at RRHS, serves as an advisor to student groups.
Maliska announced that she and Oliver will be meeting with the new Nisqually Tribal Council to continue forging relationships between schools and tribe.
The meeting concluded with Oliver taking his oath of office as new superintendent.
NTPS Board of Directors next meets on Tuesday, July 16 at 6 p.m. in the district office boardroom, 305 College St. NE, Lacey.
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