Superintendent Ames reflects on first year at ML

It's been a pretty smooth first year for Medical Lake School District Superintendent Tim Ames.

At the end of 2013-14 school year, Ames took over for Dr. Pam Veltri, who left Medical Lake after 14 years to take a position as an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction with the Mead School District. Ames came to Medical Lake after nine years as the Wellpinit School District's superintendent, which helped him transition into Medical Lake.

"There are always changes with superintendents, personnel and discipline," Ames said. "During my nine years in Wellipinit, there were constant challenges that helped prepare me for some of the challenges here. But I have to acknowledge Pam. She left the district in great condition."

Ames cited the dedication and commitment of the teachers, staff and administrative team that has helped him in his first year, as well as the cooperation from the school board, who he said are "great bosses to work with."

Ames also noted the hard work students put into their studies, athletics, music and other extracurricular programs.

"I look at their hard work and they inspire me," Ames said.

During the school year, Ames had a chance to experience major athletics events, such as the Golden Feather Spirit Game in basketball, where the Cardinals edged Cheney 36-35.

"I also remembered that first Friday night home football game and seeing the community come together," Ames said. "I didn't get that for nine years and I realized how much I missed that type of community spirit."

Two of the goals Ames set in his first year included getting to know the community and connecting with Fairchild Air Force Base. He said the support from the community, groups and other parents has been great this year. Ames worked with various groups during the renewal of the district's three-year maintenance and operations levy, which passed by 10 percent more than the previous vote three years ago. As for the relationship with Fairchild, Ames met base staff and was named an honorary commander.

"Founder's Day was something else I got to experience," Ames said. "Every time my wife comes out to Medical Lake, she tells me, 'we need to move out here,'" Ames said.

Ames is already preparing for next year. He recently finished negotiations with classified and public school employees. He said "Project Lead the Way, "which was a pilot project at Michael Anderson Elementary, will expand into Hallett Elementary. The district will also be changing its instructional and leadership framework through the "Transforming Professional Learning" project.

"The project will introduce seven new learning standards that change how we work," Ames said. "It's a system change rather than just an add-on."

Ames added that the district has several capital projects it is working on, including a new maintenance building.

The collaboration between the district and the city will continue to grow. Ames said Mayor John Higgins was instrumental in helping the district acquire a school resource officer to serve at the buildings in Medical Lake. The Spokane County board of commissioners are in the process of voting on the officer's contract. The contract will be brought to the school board for final approval.

The district and the Parks and Recreation Department are partnering for a pilot program in the fall.

"As we continue to grow and go through positive changes, we'll continue to do what we can to support the students," Ames said.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.