Port Townsend and Chimacum Schools

Chimacum and Port Townsend Schools Deepen Collaboration between ‘Rivals’
Chimacum and Port Townsend Schools Deepen Collaboration between "Rivals'PRESS RELEASE October 29, 2021

Chimacum and Port Townsend Schools Deepen Collaboration between ‘Rivals’

As a natural follow-up to the joint superintendent search last year, a dozen Port Townsend and Chimacum Schools’ representatives met recently to take their partnership to the next level. 

That opportunity took place on Oct. 14, at a working dinner meeting hosted at Chimacum when school board directors, superintendents, and student representatives engaged in a lively conversation about shared interests, biases, and visions of what a deeper partnership might look like. 

During the four-hour meeting the group shared ideas for strengthening their working relationships to serve children and families of the community.

The two districts are building upon a track record of collaboration with a longstanding Transportation Co-op, and coordinating locally sourced foods for their meal programs. This fall, Port Townsend and Chimacum took a huge step in combining all high school athletics as the East Jefferson Rivals. 

The meeting was facilitated by Doug Nathan, a consultant specializing in supporting leadership teams to drive positive change and was underwritten by a generous grant from Jefferson Community Foundation (JCF). 

Discussions focused on dedicating effort to explore efficiencies and organizational alignment, to identify barriers to a seamless partnership, and to augment each district’s strengths. 

Before the end of the calendar year, the boards plan to craft and approve a joint statement of purpose. They also intend to meet on a periodic basis to articulate and refine common interests related to supporting students’ academic and emotional development; exploring authentic learning options such as place-based and career and technical education offerings; recruiting and retaining highly-qualified educators and staff; and, uplifting all students and families regardless of background or beliefs. 

“I can think of no better way to start a leadership career as a superintendent than to be in the extraordinary collaborative relationship with Dr. Rosenbury, the Port Townsend School Board, and my Chimacum community. The work that our school boards are doing together is transformational and is a model for collaboration among school boards anywhere,” said Superintendent Mauk.

Representatives from the two districts continue to meet with our counterparts in Brinnon and Quilcene to improve communication and collaboration. That partnership, the Jefferson County Education Partnership (JCEP), has met quarterly for more than 20 years to explore opportunities for sharing professional development, staffing, as well as community and cultural resources. 

Superintendent Rosenbury commented, “More than ever before, our students and families need us to work together. Jefferson County has strong leaders, both in the schools and throughout the community, who are dedicated to opportunities for every child. I’m excited to take collective action for the future.”

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