September 2016 VOICE Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2016

M

A

THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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A

Z

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E

North Thurston Public Schools Welcomes a New SUPERINTENDENT p. 19

An Artisan Gathering Place at 222 Market p. 9

Handling Unique Manufacturing Challenges at Valley Nut & Bolt p. 12

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Featuring...

CONTENT & CALENDAR

Every month, the Thurston County Chamber offers several networking events, forums & workshops to the community. Here are some highlights you won't want to miss.

In this issue...

6 Caught in the Lens

Sept. 1

Photos from Chamber events.

YPN at KGY/KAYO Radio Y The Thurston Chamber Young Professionals (YPN) Network is a great place to interact with younger business professionals in a low-pressure environment. Join us at KGY/KAYO Radio Thursday, Sept. 1 at 5:30 p.m., 1700 Marine Dr NE, Olympia.

Sept. 6

MM at Abstract Precision Exercise Enjoy delicious food and plenty of coffee when Abstract Precision Exercise hosts the September Morning Mixxer.

Abstract's mission is to help clients live younger in as little at 15 minutes a week. When? Sept. 6 at 7:30 a.m. Where? 4331 Lacey Blvd., Suite B, Lacey.

Sept. 9

Foofaraw!

New Business We talk to Joy and Gray Graham of 222 Market in Olympia.

12 Valley Nut & Bolt Learn more about this family-owned manufacturer.

Olympia Yacht Club will host over 225 active duty military

15

men and women at Island Home, a private island owned by

Advocacy Update

On Friday, Sept. 9 the Thurston County Chamber and the

the Olympia Yacht Club. www.thurstonchamber.com

Sept. 14

9

Joint Base Lewis-McChord | Craft Brewing Center.

Meet the Candidates & Reception JJoin the Chamber for our September Forum at the Hotel RL Olympia Sept. 14 at 11:30 a.m. This event will feature the County Commissioner race, a pivotal race with regional significance. Doug Mah, former mayor of the City of Olympia,

17 WorkforceWa.com Learn about a smart new way to look for talent.

will moderate the debate.

Sept. 15

19

BAH at Mantis Graphix On Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. join us for Business After Hours at Mantis Graphix, 7920 Center St. SW, Suite C, Tumwater.

BAH is a great way to meet new friends, network and enjoy great food—and learn about quality custom screen-printed, embroidered and dye sublimation products

Executive Profile Meet Dr. Debra Clemens, North Thurston Public School's New Superintendent.

For more event information, please visit www.thurstonchamber.com

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  September 2016 3

team building for community

PUBLISHER Thurston County Chamber of Commerce

EDITORIAL Editor: David Schaffert Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: dschaffert@thurstonchamber.com

CONTRIBUTORS Natasha Ashenhurst David Schaffert

By, David Schaffert, THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER PRESIDENT/CEO & Jessica Coen, THURSTON COUNTY CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

T

he Chamber’s mission is

partnership is with the Port of Olympia and

to advocate—advocate for

the Thurston Economic Development Council

community, business and

and forwards an agenda to the legislature.

individuals. Over the past year,

Partnership models work. In 2015 the state

Chamber leadership developed

transportation budget included over $120

a strategic plan to enable the

million in projects that were part of the Shared

Jessica Coen

Chamber to increase its role supporting the

Morgan Willie

community through the greater public policy

Susan Melnyk

management.

ADVERTISING

Over the past several years, the Chamber has

Sales and Marketing: Marny Bright, Beth

worked hard for positive outcomes on several

Johnson or Korey Twombly

significant public issues using two models.

However, both models take an incredible

Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

The first model revolves around a basic

SUBSCRIPTIONS

formula which develops needed partners,

Phone: (360) 357-3362

identifies a course of action, and develops the

Email: info@thurstonchamber.com

resources to effectively manage the issue. The Mazama Pocket Gopher avoidance, Olympia

DESIGN

Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master

Mosaic Marketing Studio

Program, Friends of the Port, and Thurston

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Harris, Elements Photography

County Gopher Interim Permitting Litigation are examples of this model. We used technical experts including legal counsel, public relations specialists, pollsters, and a biologist

PRINTING

and geologist. Each had a specific area of

Print NW

Legislative Partnership.

expertise in relation to the issue.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

amount of Chamber staff resources. So, for the Chamber to increase its role in public policy issue management we’re turning to a new approach—the Chamber is launching a public policy division. The public policy division will take on critical public policy issues that directly impact Thurston County.

We are hiring dedicated resources to manage, coordinate and facilitate positive outcomes using the Chamber’s proven models.

Our public policy team will work with community, partners and Chamber members to yield success across a wide array of issues that ultimately support our core mission— advocacy.

If you would like to be part of this effort please

PO Box 1427

The second model involves community

809 Legion Way SE

partnering on strategic initiatives, such as

Olympia, WA 98507

the Shared Legislative Partnership. This

contact me.

Phone: (360) 357-3362 Email: info@thurstonchamber.com Website: www.thurstonchamber.com

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY INVESTORS

COPYRIGHT All material appearing in the VOICE

DIAMOND INVESTORS:

printing, but the publisher accepts no

Anchor Bank Capital Medical Center Heritage Bank Phillips Burgess Physicians of Southwest Washington Port of Olympia Xerox Services

responsibility or liability for the accuracy

PLATINUM INVESTORS

of any information contained in the text

America's Credit Union - Lacey Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel

Magazine is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. The VOICE Magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at time of

or advertisements.

4 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park Morningside Olympia Federal Savings Olympia Orthopaedic Associates Print NW Providence St. Peters Saint Martin's University TwinStar Credit Union Washington Business Bank

GOLD INVESTORS Express Employment Professionals First Citizens Bank Cabinets by Trivonna Columbia Bank The Creative Office

FirstLight Home Care GHB Insurance Great Wolf Lodge Hometown Property Management Mantis Graphix Jessica Jensen Law PS Nicholson & Associates Nisqually Red Wind Casino Olympia Furniture Company Pardiman Productions Puget Sound Energy RHD Enterprises Hotel RL Olympia Saint Martin’s University SCJ Alliance TAGS

www.thurstonchamber.com

Caught in the Lens...

6 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

A collection of photos taken at Chamber events during July and August.

www.thurstonchamber.com

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  September 2016 7

M

eet the candidates forum will feature the County

CHAMBER FORUM

Commissioner race, a pivotal race with regional

meet the candidates & reception

significance. Forum attendees will hear from

candidates vying for this office. Doug Mah, the former City of Olympia mayor, will moderate the debate.

A large contingent of candidates running for public office in Thurston County will be at Forum and the Candidates Reception to meet and mingle with community and business leaders.

Candidates in all races are encouraged to arrive early and stay late for as much one-onone conversation with Chamber members as possible. Forum is on Wednesday, September 14, at the Hotel RL Olympia from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and includes lunch.

Join the Thurston Chamber for our September Forum on Sept. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hotel RL Olympia.

The cost is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door.

Don't miss this celebration of politics, policy and people!

Visit thurstonchamber.com to make your reservation today.

PROUDLY SERVING

THURSTON COUNTY

SINCE 1922

8 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

NEW BUSINESS

222 Market: an Artisan Gathering Place Downtown

By Morgan Willie

Since early 2015, long-time Olympia residents Joy and Gray Graham have worked tirelessly to turn their dream of developing a collaborative indoor marketplace into a reality. The couple is delighted to announce that their dream, Olympia’s 222 Market, will be wholly open and available to the public September, 2016 with a grand opening scheduled for mid-October.

Above: Joy and Gray Graham. Photo by Morgan Willie

222 Market, an “artisan gathering place,” will be home to eight

“When our current

specialty vendors in one convenient location on Capitol Way:

customers come in, I

The Bread Peddler, Fleurae Floral Design, Oly Kraut, Chelsea

just start listing off the

Farms Oyster Bar, Blind Pig Spirits, Salt Fire and Time Broth

businesses that will soon be

Bar, Pantry Artisan Grocery and Sophie’s Scoops. Joy and Gray

opening and the excitement

believe the market will successfully encourage economic and

builds as I go down the list,”

community diversification, producing exceptional foods and

Givens said. “There will be

crafts for all to enjoy year-round.

something for everyone at the new 222 Market!”

A few of the businesses involved have already met tremendous success. The Bread Peddler and Blind Pig Spirits, which have

Co-owner of Sophie’s

been open for several years, have reliable repeat-customers

Scoops, Sophia Landis,

and outstanding reputations in town. Gray is confident that

expressed similar

Olympians will take to the market with ease.

sentiments.

“Our community has certain values, and part of those values

“This is the beginning of

includes supporting our local and sustainable agricultural

hopefully a revitalization

community,” Gray noted. “Because we are supporting that

and influx of more

community, everybody’s going to give us a try. The challenge,

food establishments in

of course, will be doing a great job and keeping people coming

downtown Olympia - more

back over and over again.”

food and more reasons to hang out downtown,”

Lesa Givens, co-owner of Blind Pig Spirits, is keen to see all of

Landis said. “You can get so

the vendors operating in unison and eager to watch customers

much without ever leaving

experience the completed market.

the building. It’s like the

Continued on page 10 www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  September 2016 9

Continued from page 9

An artist rendering of 222 Market coolest, tiniest mall you’ve ever been to.”

farmer’s market, but with a lovely, light-

protein, 90 percent of which will come

But, 222 Market will provide a modern,

filled, comfortable, and temperature-

from within a 50 mile radius. In addition,

community-minded atmosphere unlike

controlled environment.”

Sophie’s Scoops will provide 100 percent handmade gelato, utilizing local raw milk

any other food or shopping center in Joy and Gray Graham are proud to say

Olympia.

and pasteurizing the product on site.

that nearly all of the fare available “The Market is completely different than

at the market will be locally sourced,

Many of the vendors have recognized

anything that exists in Olympia to date,”

sustainable, and handcrafted. For

the market’s originality and social

Landis remarked. It sets itself apart by

instance, Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar will

significance on a civic scale. Iana Franks

offering all the things you love about a

serve tremendously fresh, high-quality

and Carissa Dickson, co-owners of

A

Little TIME

WILL HAVE A

Big IMPACT

BE A MENTOR RESILIENT KIDS STRONG FAMILIES HEALTHY COMMUNITIES swwabigs.org | 360.943.0409

10 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

Networking just got smarter! Discover SPEED NETWORKING using Smart-Match Software. www.thurstonchamber.com

October 26, 2016

www.thurstonchamber.com

Boutique inside the Creperie

Sophie in front of Sophie's Scoops

Inside the Bread Peddler

Fleurae Floral Design, observed that 222

the states. This community style of

making such high quality, beautiful

Market “has been similarly designed

market is much more progressive than a

items; it will be interesting to see the

to many classic European markets,

conventional grocery and allows greater

creativity evolve in our offerings.”

featuring fine artisanal food, flowers and

transparency for the consumer. Real

goods sold by small, local businesses.”

people, real stories, real food – this is

222 Market, an artisan gathering

what I want to believe is the future of

place, welcomes you to enjoy the

food in America.”

many fresh and locally-sourced food

Tressa Yellig, owner of the Broth Bar by

selections available at this community-

Salt, Fire & Time, spoke to this notion in greater detail saying, “I invite [Olympia

Concerning 222 Market’s finalization,

minded collective. Be sure to check out

residents] to try something new. Food

Tressa expressed, “I’m most excited

www.222market.com for updates and

Halls have a long history in Europe

about working with this group of

information about the vendors involved.

and are coming into fashion here in

visionary individuals. Everyone is

www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  September 2016 11

Handling unique manufacturing challenges with Valley Nut & Bolt

S

By Susan Melnyk

itting down with owner

because the customer wanted things

and CEO of Valley Nut &

tweaked in some way or another. The

Construction at the new location will

Bolt, Dallas Puckett Jr. and

manufacturing really has become

begin this fall and is expected to be

Operations Director Don

a larger part of what we do,” Dallas

completed in early 2017.

Conant is like having coffee

explains.

Dallas joined Valley Nut & Bolt in 1975

with old friends.

Neither are especially comfortable talking about themselves but brighten instantly when asked about their employees. The two are quick to give their staff praise and excited to talk about the manufacturing problems the company has solved for customers over the years.

“We make nuts and bolts and a variety of things for industrial applications, other manufacturers, infrastructure, steel structures and agricultural applications. We began as a distributor and gradually started modifying existing products to make it something else

Opened in 1969 by Dallas Puckett Sr.,

at the request of his father. The 21 year

Valley Nut & Bolt is set to expand next

old motorcycle enthusiast had been keen

year by adding a second location off

on purchasing a motorcycle shop and

I-5 at exit 95 in Maytown, Washington.

approached his father to co-sign on the

The 85 acres will be home to a newly

loan. Instead, Dallas Sr. asked his son to

constructed 12,000 square foot building

join the company and help him grow the

that will house some of Valley’s current

business. “His rationale was ‘if you work

manufacturing machines as well as a

for me, then motorcycles can continue to

host of new ones that will expand its

be your hobby. But if you work on other

already impressive capabilities.

people’s motorcycles all day, it probably won’t be your hobby anymore.’ Needless

“We are unique in that we are probably

to say, I took the bait,” Dallas admits with

the only hot forging bolt maker in

a smile.

Washington. We can produce products that are melted and manufactured in the

The motorcycle sitting at the entrance to

U.S., which is a requirement on some

his office is a sure sign that Dallas didn’t

government jobs,” Dallas points out.

give up his hobby after all and although

12 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

www.thurstonchamber.com

his father has passed, his mother, Joy,

open up, the first thing we ask ourselves

20 or 30 years.”

is ‘who do we have who can do that?.’”

lives in Dallas’ childhood home beside Valley’s original location at 10111 Tilley

“A couple of families have even met

Road S. in Olympia. “My plan is to go and

and got started here” Don says. “We do

With the wealth of experience Valley

have coffee with her as soon as we’re

a little baby-sitting in the offices here,”

employees bring to each manufacturing

done,” Dallas says.

Dallas tells us, laughing, a children’s

project, it isn’t hard to see why the

wood rocker, carved into the shape of

company has become the ‘go-to’ for

Having lived in the area for more

a motorcycle, sitting behind him, at the

solving even the strangest request.

than 50 years, Dallas and his family

ready for children and grandchildren

are committed to giving back to the

alike.

“A production company for the Travel Channel show ‘Mysteries at the Museum’

community. Evergreen Christian Church has a special place in his heart, as it’s

Don Conant, the former general manager

contacted us to see if we could replicate

the church where Dallas married Cindy

and current Operations Director

the rivets that were used on the Titanic

43-years-ago and where his four children

has his doctorate from Gonzaga in

in different strengths. They were looking

attended school. Dallas currently sits on

Organizational Leadership and has been

to test a theory that a stronger rivet could

the board of directors and has served on

with Valley Nut & Bolt for 17 years. “I’m

have prevented the hull from tearing

the school board, when requested.

the relative newbie,” he says and he’s

open,” Dallas describes.

Don Conant and Dallas Puckett not kidding. With the average length of Now owner and CEO of Valley Nut

employment at Valley falling in at an

The crew came out and videotaped Dallas

& Bolt, Dallas continues to surround

amazing 18 years, it’s not hard to see why

and his team manufacturing the rivets

himself with talented people who have

the place feels like spending time with

over the course of one day and surprised

risen through the ranks of the company,

family.

Dallas with the request for him to narrate

including his oldest son, Evan. Evan

the process. The show is set to air in

has worked his way up through the

Valley Nut & Bolt is as committed to

December 2016 on the Travel Channel

company and is currently involved with

developing internal talent as it is to

and the Valley Nut & Bolt team have the

purchasing and management. With his

solving their customer’s unique requests.

t-shirts to prove it, but Dallas is keeping

current promotion to general manager

“Most of the people who work in the

mum about the results.

and with Don and Dallas’ support, Evan

upper management positions started at

will see the succession of Valley as a

the entry level and have over the years,

Whatever the outcome, the experience

family business.

worked their way up. In fact, for many of

further proves that the team at Valley Nut

our positions, that’s the way that we find

& Bolt are able to handle any challenge

But Dallas is quick to refocus the

people who are qualified to do the kind

thrown their way, no matter how out of

conversation on his employees: “I’m

of work that we do,” Don explains.

the box the request may be.

generations here,” he points out. “Others

“Over the years, we’ve developed a

Learn more about Valley Nut & Bolt at

have sons, brothers and fathers working

culture of training and developing people

www.valleynutandbolt.com ●

here and some of them have stayed for

from within so that when something does

not the only family that has multiple

www.thurstonchamber.com

Susan Melnyk is a freelance writer for the VOICE, sue.melnyk@gmail.com.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  September 2016 13

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ADVOCACY UPDATE

One of the Thurston County Chamber’s primary missions is advocacy, which can take many forms—providing beneficial services and products to Chamber members; supporting nonprofit, education and government organizations; and, of course, lobbying government bodies on issues impacting business and community.

Here are a few of the issues we are actively engaged in this month:

Joint Base Lewis-McChord to Develop the Entertainment Center Project The Chamber supports the continued efforts of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) to develop the Entertainment Center Project and the Exchange’s mission to bring quality goods and services in support of JBLM’s soldiers, airmen, retirees and their families. The Entertainment Center project will provide positive economic returns to the region in the form of revenue generated during construction and on-going employment resulting from operating the center.

Craft Brewing and Distilling Center The Thurston County Chamber supports the City of Tumwater in its funding request to the Community Economic Revitalization Board for the feasibility of brewing and distilling incubators. In a letter of support, the Chamber commends the City of Tumwater for their ongoing efforts to support and create a craft brewing and distilling center that will create opportunities for job creation, education, private sector investment, and the redevelopment of underutilized properties. Having a better understanding of the feasibility of brewing and distilling incubators is important to the strategic planning and the attracting of additional partners.

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16 • September 2016 Thurston County Chamber VOICE

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the smart way to look for talent Washington employers now have a

WORKFORCE NEWS

powerful free online tool for finding the best talent for their businesses.

W

orkSourceWA.com is Washington’s new job matching website, powered by the proven technology of Monster.com and customized

by WorkSource.

At WorkSourceWA.com, you can post unlimited jobs at no cost while private-sector sites often charge up $300 per posting. WorkSourceWA.com is the largest talent database in the state, including Monster’s candidate pool for all of Washington and bordering cities – a total of 191,000 resumes.

Finally, WorkSourceWA.com is an award winning talent-management software which will help you find qualified candidates faster.

Most job matching websites stop at the computer.

But through WorkSourceWA.com, you also can connect with WorkSource business representatives for even more help.

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Improve your job postings.

•

Arrange space for interviews.

•

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•

Help you take advantage of tax credits for hiring.

•

And that’s not all. Our WorkSource business staff can help you arrange job fairs and hiring events, provide wage rates by occupation and area and offer other labor-market data important to your business. They’ll also teach you how to save money and time with onthe-job training, apprenticeships, customized training, and internships.

Stop spending money on those other career websites, sign-up and post jobs for free on WorkSourceWA.com today.

For more information, contact your Thurston County Business Services representative, Debbie Burk at (360) 704-3581 or Email: dburk@esd. wa.gov www.thurstonchamber.com

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  September 2016 17

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EXECUTIVE PROFILE

North Thurston Public Schools Welcomes New Leader Written by Natasha Ashenhurst. Photos by Heather Harris.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Science, an MBA and doctorate

to lead the County’s largest

of Philosophy in Leadership Studies, along with principal and

school district.

superintendent credentials. She has taught middle and high

Debra Clemens, Ph.D., is a working mom, raising two active girls, ages 11 and 15, and is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff.

www.thurstonchamber.com

school students computer applications and business courses,

Only six weeks in, Clemens

and has also served as an instructional technology specialist.

is quickly working her way

Most recently, she served four years as superintendent of

through a 9-page document

the Cheney Public Schools. To say she’s been busy is an

she drafted called the

understatement.

Superintendent’s Entry Plan.

The plan contains over 100

Last year, Dr. Clemens heard former North Thurston Public

action steps and has a stated

Schools Superintendent, Raj Manhas, speak at a conference.

purpose of communicating

“I was so impressed with the district’s commitment to student

clear, measurable goals

and staff success and his stories of a working environment

that Clemens will complete

where people are committed to a culture of collaboration,” said

during her first year of

Clemens. They also shared a commitment to the whole child

service, ensuring that the

and supporting all students. So, when Manhas announced his

district’s Strategic Plan is

retirement, Clemens applied for the job of Superintendent of

responsive to the current

North Thurston Public Schools. She was hired by the Board of

conditions in the schools and

Directors and began work July 1, 2016. She is the first woman

the community.

Thurston County Chamber VOICE  September 2016 19

Improvement

“The Entry Plan will help me deepen my knowledge of the district and the community,” Clemens said. “We are

Clemens believes that over time the

honoring the work that has been done

strategic plan will change by necessity.

as well as identifying things that weren’t

“Our collaborative effort is strong and

articulated in the strategic plan.”

people really want to work together which fosters the continuous cycle of improvement. Our strategic plan will

Community Stakeholders

change because it is reflective of where we are and where we want to go. Part of

The Entry Plan is the district’s road map for her first year and includes detailed action items of both internal and external work.

During the summer, Clemens has been meeting nonstop with community stakeholders and educational leaders, including presidents of local universities, lawmakers, Thurston County superintendents, the Thurston County Economic Development Council, chambers of commerce, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, law enforcement, churches, tribes and many others.

So far, what she’s heard is great news.

“People are happy with the district.

Pretty much everyone I’ve met with has been delighted by the work that has been happening and they want to continue to

the plan is dependent on funding, but it Clemens also got to know the district

is also about putting structures in place

administrators (including principals

to strengthen existing organizations,”

and departmental directors) in August

she said.

when they participated in a 3-day leadership academy at the new Salish Middle School (opening this fall). They looked at instructional data together, discussed student interventions and supports, and brought in two recent high school graduates to present —an effort to strengthen students’ voices in the district. “Students are the number one source of information in our district, according to community surveys,” Clemens said. “We want to hear from them (students) about their learning

community about the district’s work

outreach to students, the military

educating students, the district is not

and multicultural organizations and

without challenges.

Beyond Differentiated Instruction by Jodi

individuals.

“First, we have to remember that the

She has already met with the Board of

Park,” she said.

School Change by Charles Salina and

later this fall, along with more

are your suggestions for improvement?”

hiking beautiful places like Priest Point

Powerless to Powerful: Leadership for

hear enthusiastic feedback from the

going well? What can we improve? What

so these first few weeks we’ve been

related. Currently, she is reading

public and families will be scheduled

asking staff three basic questions: What’s

also love to be out-of-doors as a family

though the titles tend to be work-

And while Clemens is encouraged to

schools and departments. “We will be

I love watching my girls compete; we

decisions.”

“Community Conversations” for the

Tour,” which includes visits to all 22

tournaments or gymnastic competitions.

Clemens also reads on her down time,

Challenges

involves what she calls a “Listening

free time is spent with my kids at soccer

perspectives that will inform future

said.

The majority of the work in the fall

I am a working mom, so most of my

and empower them to share their

strengthen services for our students,” she

The Listening Tour

On the weekend you’ll find Clemens...

district’s strategic plan is influenced by both state and national decisions,” she said. “We have to meet measures

O'Meara, but she enjoys fiction too. “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce is a beautiful story about life, but you’ll also catch me reading Harry Potter,” she said.

Usually, summertime is when Clemens catches up on her reading, but—as you can imagine—she’s been a little busy lately.

of accountability. What we desire along with those standards is to have accountability for student performance that considers student academic growth.

Measuring student growth is complex, but those are the kinds of changes that all of the school districts are paying attention to right now.”

Directors and her six-member leadership team —referred to as the Cabinet.

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