Cornell School Board; Partnerships helping to build a successful future

Cornell Middle/High School principal Dave Elliott listens during a board meeting May 23, as superintendent Paul Schley talks about the amounts of scholarships that are available for students to apply to receive. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Those present at the Cornell School Board meeting May 23, were all abuzz about how well the recent honors banquet went over with parents and students. Dave Elliott, middle/ high school principal, says the district has worked hard to show students what it looks like to have a living wage, and that through partnerships with CVTC, they can graduate with as many college credits as the student is willing to work toward.

“We really are leading that among schools,” he said. “It really does make a difference for kids.”

Stephanie Seidlitz, board treasurer, was also impressed with the amounts of scholarships handed out and the credits some of the kids finished with to give them a head start on their college career.

“I don’t know that a lot of people know all the opportunities that we’re giving these kids,” she said.

One thing superintendent Paul Schley would change, is to have more kids apply for scholarships, as there is money to hand out.

Moving into the business portion of the meeting, members approved the hire of speech language pathologist Natalie Brown; as well as the resignation of Jenny Blaisdell, family education director for the Cornell-Lake Holcombe 21st Century Community Learning Centers; and Caitlin Larson, district administrative assistant.

Blaisdell has been in that position for 20 years, but feels a change is needed in her life.

What they say is true, the days are long, but the years fly by, she wrote in her resignation letter. I don’t know for sure what my next chapter holds, but I’m looking forward to it, as I close one that has taught me so many valuable lessons.

As for Larson, she wants to seek a position where she can work more directly with people.

My time at the school with teachers and students was wonderful, wrote Larson.