June 11, 2012 Spokesman
President Brandon Honcoop called the June 11, 2012 Kirkland Rotary Club meeting to order at 6:34 PM. He thanked Bill Taylor for greeting and Mike Hunter for scribing. Eric Olsen led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Steve Shinstrom gave us an inspirational moment that involved a Nun playing golf with God involved. Rick Walter added his story about buying lumber at Home Depot and the clerk recognizing him as a Rotarian (he was honest in pointing out an error made by the clerk).
Introductions:
Scott East, recovering nicely from hip surgery, was our only guest and visiting Rotarian from the Bellevue Club.
Announcements:
Patti Smith announced some Rotary clothing and hats are still available. She sold Duck Adoptions at the Wednesday Market and told us to be sure and let people know that the big race is on August 11, not on the 4th of July.
Brandon reminded us to start selling Duck Adoptions; we’re just two months away from the race. Either sell your tickets at the upcoming venues or write a check for $500 and turn your tickets back into Rick Ostrander.
Barb Seaton reminded us that the 4-page Rotary supplement to the Reporter needs articles and advertising. A 2X3 section of advertising is about $108. The Club’s 75th Anniversary is next year and that’s the theme of the supplement. Please think about writing an article and purchasing an ad for your business. The deadline is July 15 and the supplement will be published two weeks ahead of the Duck Dash.
Steve Shinstrom thanked those who helped clean out the storage locker this afternoon. Everything is well organized now and items can be found for the upcoming venues and the Duck Dash.
Chris Morgan asked everyone to think of upcoming programs for this new Rotary year.
Don Dicks announced that Giorgis Mekonen is not well and is now in Denver with his sister. Don asked everyone to sign a Get Well card for Giorgis that was being passed around the room.
Brandon said Ernie Norehad’s wife has not been well and to keep her in our thoughts. He is on temporary leave and helping her in San Diego.
Don Dicks explained that the Club members are at 68% participation in the Rotary Foundation this year. With only a couple weeks to go, he asked those who haven’t contributed to participate, even one dollar will suffice.
Brandon announced that dues notices have been sent to members. Please see John Pruitt, our Treasurer, to pay your dues using credit cards, checks or even cash.
Program – Dr. Chip Kimball, Superintendent of Lake Washington School District
Patti Smith introduced Dr. Chip Kimball, our current superintendent, who has been in the position for 16 years but is now leaving to take a similar position in Singapore.
Chip covered a wide range of topics including the accolades that Lake Washington School District has achieved and setting a vision statement for students so they will be prepared for college. The intent is to make students ‘college ready’ whether they go on to college, the military or wherever. The Global Economy has created intense competition for our students compared with other students in the world.
Starting this next school year, the District is going to include 9th graders in the high schools, so the grouping will become K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. The reason is that 9th grade student’s grades apply towards college so it’s important for these students to be part of the high school experience for four years. Chip assured us that the high schools will be able to assimilate the 9th grade students in the fall.
Since 1998 twenty-two school buildings have been rebuilt even though the State has reduced funding by $12 Million dollars. While some parents have to pay for sports and other activities, the District has not cut good education.
Chip accepted the Singapore American Schools superintendent position in order to experience what’s going on in that part of the world and see what it takes for American students to compete in this new world.
Chip then introduced Dr. Tracy Pierce, who will be the new Lake Washington School District Superintendent. She gave her background and how she arrived in Kirkland (her husband lived in Kirkland). Tracy has been with the District for 17 years.
Several questions were posed to Chip and he answered them in many ways, either directly and many with an excellent sense of humor.
A great program, thank you, Chip and Tracy!
Joker Pool:
Rick Walters announced the pot was around $4,000 now and 13 cards are left in the deck. The pool of Bill Woods, DV Hurst and Don Dix had the winning number but Don failed to find the Joker. The pot will now grow so don’t miss next week’s meeting!
Adjournment: President Brandon adjourned the meeting at 7:50 PM with the reminder to RSVP to his email later this week if you are going to bring guests to the Transition Dinner in two weeks on June 25.