John Deeder, photo courtesy of EPS.

John Deeder, superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, submitted his retirement announcement to the School Board of Directors. Deeder, who has served 11 years as the leader of the fifth largest school district in the state and the largest in Clark County, says he will step down on July 31.

Deeder, who began his educational career 48 years ago as a sixth grade teacher, spent a number of years working as a teacher, counselor, coach, principal, instructional leader and assistant superintendent in several Oregon school districts. He joined Evergreen 15 years ago as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, before moving to Assistant Superintendent, then Chief Academic Officer. He was named Superintendent in 2006.

During his tenure, Deeder put into action a number of instructional improvements such as implementing all-day Kindergarten at all schools (not just schools qualifying for state aid), increasing supports at the high school level that have dramatically increased the graduation rate, adding instructional positions and reducing class sizes, put into practice a personalized learning model for students and increasing technology-driven instruction to ensure students have 21st century skills.

At the same time, he was challenged to cut budgets during a downed economy, as well as take on the state funding model. Deeder shaped a three year recessionary budget by cutting $26.3 million including freezing his own salary for five years, yet preserving teacher positions, maintaining school facilities, adding a new specialty high school and increasing safety and security at schools. He also oversaw the temporary relocation, then rebuilding of, Crestline Elementary, in less than 18 months after the school was destroyed by an arson fire in 2013.

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District Board of Trustees will meet Monday, Mar. 20, in the Three Creeks Community Library, 800-C NE Tenney Rd., Vancouver.

The public meeting begins at 6 p.m. Citizen comments are welcome. Alternatively, written comments may be sent to:

• Email: trustees@fvrl.org
• Postal mail: FVRL Board of Trustees, 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98663
• Phone: 360-906-5000 or toll free from area code 509 at 1-888-546-2707

Downtown Camas will celebrate all things “green” for March First Friday, this Friday, Mar. 3. Lucky leprechauns, an earth-friendly clown, live music, a “Green Zone” and the wearing of the green will all be a part of the fun.

Each participating merchant will have a “lucky leprechaun” in their business, and for every leprechaun found, a raffle ticket will be entered to win “green” prizes and more from the merchants. Lucky leprechaun “passports” can be found in stores, at the Downtown Camas Association table at Journey Church, and at the Second Story Gallery in the Camas Library.

Several businesses will be offering specials, free samples, live music and more. Eartha the Clown will be on hand with her Moluccan cockatoo, Major. Journey Church will host the “Green Zone,” where families can learn how easy it is to make this world a greener place with fun, educational activities and giveaways provided by local nonprofits. Those wearing green receive a free raffle ticket; wear a fun green hat and receive three. For all the information, visit www.downtowncamas.com.

On Saturday, Mar. 4, young science enthusiasts from Vancouver-area schools and as far north as the Quileute Tribal School in La Push, will convene on the Clark College main campus to compete in the 2017 Southwest Washington Regional Science Olympiad Tournament. The event is an international nonprofit organization that encourages engagement with science through fun, hands-on activities and events.

Teams from the region’s middle and high schools will compete in 48 different activities testing their ability to solve problems, communicate information, and creatively innovate. Students work in teams with coaches to prepare for their activities in the weeks prior to the tournament. A range of scientific disciplines including chemistry, microbiology, astronomy, engineering, and robotics will be represented at the event.

Competitions are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the the Team Cheers and Awards Ceremony will follow in the O’Connell Sports Center at 5 p.m.. This event is free and open to the public, though participation is limited to pre-registered contestants. Finalists from the regional Olympiad will go on to the state tournament at Highline College in Des Moines, WA, on April 15. For more information, contact Erin Harwood at eharwood@clark.edu.