School Board

Vision Statement of The Board

The board, with participation by the community, shall envision the future of the school district's educational program and formulate goals, define outcomes and set the course for the school district. This will be done within the context of racial, ethnic and religious diversity and with a commitment to education excellence and equity for all students. To achieve the vision, the board will establish a structure, which reflects local circumstances and creates an environment designed to ensure all students the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a sound organizational framework. This is includes employing a superintendent, developing and approving policies, formulating budgets, setting high instructional and learning goals for staff and students, and nurturing a climate conducive to continuous improvement.

"The commitment by the school board to realign existing resources and add new resources to the support of our classrooms and schools has been made possible through your continued support and our operational levies and school
construction bonds." Superintendent, Brian Flones

Meet the School Board Members

Laura Jaecks, President
Board Position #01

Laura Jaecks is currently Building Manager for the Confluence Technology Center. Laura served as Executive Director of Camp Fire USA – North Central Washington Council from 1996 to 2003 and was responsible for council operations in the counties of Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan and half of Adams. Laura’s previous career experiences include co-owner and general business manager of The Training Station (currently Gold’s Gym), and general partner in Cascade Investments.

Laura has a Masters of Education in Educational Technology, a BS in Accounting from Central Washington University, and an Associates of Arts Degree from Wenatchee Valley College. Laura has volunteered on many community and school district committees, including Wenatchee School District playground and lunchroom supervisor, Co-Chair for Wenatchee School District’s 2002 Maintenance & Operations Levy Committee, 2001 bond committee volunteer, school district classroom volunteer for grades K through 7, 1999-2000 Social Issues Ad Hoc Committee Chair. As a community leader she filled many roles such as 2000 to 2003 World Families Board Treasurer, Chelan/ Douglas County Tobacco Coalition, 2002-2003 Kid’s First committee member, 1998 to 2003 Together for Drug Free Youth committee member, 1996-2001 Chelan-Douglas Health District advisory panel, 2002 to present Community Center Committee Advisor, 1992-1996 Children’s Discovery Museum, 1993-1996 Supporters of the Center, 1986-1996 American Cancer Society – county and state levels.

Laura has spent a great deal of her time developing her knowledge of children’s issues through attending workshops and trainings and has written many successful grants, which benefit the community. Laura received the Thomas Seaton Award, Luther Gulick Award, Sebago Award, John Collier Award and Heart Award from Camp Fire USA – NCW Council and her health club received the Wenatchee Business Journal “Reader’s Choice” Award in 1994 and the American Cancer Society Volunteer of the Year Award in 1989.

You can e-mail Laura at jaecks.l@mail.wsd.wednet.edu
 

Dr. Walter S. Newman, Vice President
Board Position #02

Walter S. Newman graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and attended medical school at Tulane. After his internship he went to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. for his pediatric residency and then he served two years of active duty in the Navy. He and his family then moved to Wenatchee where he practiced pediatrics for 34 years, first at the WVC, and then at Columbia Pediatrics. He and his wife, Caitilin, have
been married for 39 years. Their two children
attended public schools here, in Wenatchee School District, during which time he and his family were very involved in the schools. After retirement he has rekindled involvement in the district, first by volunteering in the schools and then by serving on the Board of Directors. Among other civic activities he was a long time member of the Wenatchee park board, and is currently board chairman at Chelan Douglas Family Planning. The strong public school system was an attraction when he came to Wenatchee, and preserving this strength is a goal of his on the board. Dr. Walter S. Newman was elected to the Wenatchee School Board of Directors in November of 2007.

You can e-mail Dr. Newman at: newman.w@mail.wsd.wednet.edu

Jesús Hernándéz
Board Position #03

Jesús Hernández joined the Board in November of 1997, although he volunteered for several years in the school district. Before joining the Board, Jesús developed a middle school student leadership conference, provided cultural awareness activities for both students and staff, and worked to combat the student drop-out rate and barriers to education. His bilingual and bicultural capabilities enhance the Board's understanding of the issues related to Wenatchee's growing immigrant student population.

Hernández was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. in 1979, at the age of 9. He holds a B.A. in Management from Washington State University and a Masters in Public Administration from University of Washington. He and his wife, Melissa, have two sons, Mikael, in ninth grade, and Julian, in third grade.

Currently, Jesús is the Executive Director of Community Choice Healthcare Network serving North Central Washington to improve access to healthcare and strengthening the regional healthcare delivery system. Additionally, Jesús was appointed by Gov. Gary Locke and Gov. Christine Gregoire to serve on the ten-member Higher Education Coordinating Board serving the statewide higher education system.

You may reach Jésus Hernández at hernandez.j@mail.wsd.wednet.edu or 663-2365.

Kevin Gilbert
Board Position #04

Kevin Gilbert joined the Board in June 2004.  Kevin is currently the Director of Surgical and Hospital Operations at the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center.

Kevin has a Bachelor's degree in Science, Nursing and is a registered nurse.

Volunteer work on many community and school district committees includes working on set construction and as stage support for high school and community plays, guest speaker on surgery at many Wenatchee School District elementary schools, and committee chairperson for the Wenatchee Valley College Return to Work Program, advisory board member to the Wenatchee Valley College nursing program, camp nurse volunteer at Camp Zanika Lache, and Washington State Region 7 Homeland Security participant.

Kevin’s interests include travel, theater, hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, music and reading.

You may e-mail Kevin at gilbert.k@mail.wsd.wednet.edu.

Chuck Largent
Board Position #05

Chuck Largent recently retired as director of the Wenatchee Parks and Recreation department.  Lou, his wife, is the counselor at Mission View Elementary.  Chuck is a graduate of Wenatchee Schools, as are all three of his children.

Chuck is active in his church, Wenatchee Central Lions Club, Wenatchee Valley Trails Coalition, Wenatchee Sports Council, Wenatchee Sportsmen’s Association, Kids First and Arbor Day.

Chuck enjoys giving back to the school district he believes has given his family so much.

You can e-mail Chuck at largent.c@mail.wsd.wednet.edu