Leadership Washington Class Examines Local Education Opportunities

The Leadership Washington Class spent the day May 12 learning about all the educational  opportunities the town has to offer. The class, a program of the Washington Chamber of  Commerce, began the day at the Kirkwood Washington County Regional Center for a tour  led by Director Tera Pickens who explained how the center is home to adult students  looking for continuing education as well as high school students getting college credits  while still in one of seven area high schools.  

Chad Dillon, coordinator of the Washington Regional Alternative Program (WRAP), an  alternative high school program at the Kirkwood Center, explained how the program works.  It serves up to 35 students from the Washington, Keota, WACO and Highland school  districts and offers students another option for their high school experience. Students must  be referred by their school, then interviewed before being accepted. Class sizes range from  four to 10 students and instruction also focuses on social aspects, teamwork and skills to  enable students to live as active members in the community. 

Next was a tour of the Washington Public Library led by Director Bryna Walker who  outlined the many programs offered by the library for people of all ages.  

That was followed by briefings from representatives from Washington Public School  System including Superintendent Willie Stone, Activities Director Brent Van Weelden,  Stewart Elementary Principal Adam Miller, Lincoln Elementary Principal Teresa

Beenblossom, Middle School Principal Curt Mayer and High School Principal Erik  Buchholz. 

The class then heard from Rene Pfeifer, Vice President of Facility Services and Principal  Dave Hoffman at the Washington County Developmental Center (WCDC). The center  employs 37 full-time and eight part-time employees serving 100 clients. Services offered  range from preparing clients for the workplace to providing daycare. 

The day wrapped up with a tour of St. James Catholic Elementary School. Nicole Peterson and Jim Lester were the class leaders.  

For questions, please contact Bill Monroe, Washington Chamber of Commerce Community  Coordinator at 319-653-3272.