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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015
Spicciati chosen Auburn’s new school superintendent FOR THE REPORTER
Spicciati
The Auburn School District Board of Directors on Tuesday unanimously selected Dr. Alan Spicciati as the new superintendent to replace Kip Herren,
who is retiring June 30. “Dr. Spicciati has a clear vision for Auburn’s future and a deep respect and understanding for the strong foundational work to date,” said Carol Seng, board president. “His connection to
the community and his awareness of the community’s history and culture will serve us well for years to come. “He is committed to working with families from all communities and values partnerships with community
organizations and businesses to ensure all students are successful,” Seng said. Spicciati is chief accountability officer at Highline Public Schools. [ more SPICCIATI page 4 ]
Tensions grow over possible program cuts at Green River BY HEIDI SANDERS hsanders@kentreporter.com
Students, faculty and community members packed the Green River College Board of Trustees meeting on May 21, concerned about potential program cuts and lack of communication from college leaders. College officials notified faculty in April that four programs could be eliminated because of a budget shortfall,
Muckleshoot Tribal Council members, from left, Charlotte Williams, Virginia Cross and Marie Starr present Sen. Patty Murray with a blanket during Tuesday’s 50th anniversary celebration of the tribe’s Head Start program. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
TRIBE’S GOLDEN HEAD START PROGRAM Sen. Murray joins Muckleshoot leaders in celebrating 50 years of early learning success more photos online… auburn-reporter.com
BY MARK KLAAS mklaas@auburn-reporter.com
Wrapped in a warm blanket, a gift from the Muckleshoot Tribal Council, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) felt right at home Tuesday. Murray was a special guest, joining tribal leaders, teachers, parents and children to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the tribe’s successful Head Start program. “The Muckleshoot program was among the first tribal Head Start programs in the country. I am thrilled to see it continue to
impact so many people today,” Murray told the crowd inside the Muckleshoot Tribal School gymnasium. “As a former preschool teacher myself, I have seen firsthand the kind of transformation that early learning inspires in a child.” Murray, a ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has fought to expand access to early childhood education, to ensure schools have the resources they need and to make college affordable. [ more HEAD START page 8 ]
citing low enrollment in auto body technology, geographic information systems and the high cost of offering carpentry and parent-child education. Faculty members claim the potential cuts target members of the Union Faculty and are an act of retaliation. Per contract stipulations, faculty members have until June 8 [ more COLLEGE page 2 ]
Councilmember questions fast tracking of ordinances BY ROBERT WHALE rwhale@auburn-reporter.com
Waiving its own rules that call for a two-week-later, second reading of any ordinance before voting yes or no, the City Council agreed on May 18 to spend $200,000 to kick off its Downtown Storefront Improvement Wales project. But not before one councilmember expressed unease at her peers for once again setting aside their own rules to fast-track legislation. “I have a hard time – unless we are in an emergency situation – suspending the rules and voting on something and moving it fast forward,” Largo Wales said. [ more COUNCIL page 6 ]
Auburn Community Players Present 9 to 5 The Musical June 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 AT 7:30 PM | June 14 AT 2:00 PM Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave, Auburn
1205161
$15/$13 pre pre-sale; $20/$18 at the door | 253-931-3043 or auburnwa.gov/arts