On Monday, December 3, the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council (Area Council) hosted new Tahoma School District (THS) Superintendent, Tony Giurado, and Fire District 43 Chief, Aaron Tyerman.
Fire District
Fire District 43 Chief, Aaron Tyerman, announced the recent merger of the district with the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA). Chief Tyerman described the PSRFA as a full-service, all-risk fire and rescue department that provides services to the citizens of Covington, Hobart, Kent, Maple Valley, Ravensdale, SeaTac, and related portions of unincorporated King County from 13 fire stations. It covers ~110 square miles and protects a population of over 225,000.
The major benefit of merging with the PSRFA is better financial stability. An immediate benefit is the purchase three new fire engines to replace 13-15-yr-old engines. Chief Tyerman is now one of four Deputy Fire Chiefs for the PSRFA.
More information can be found on the PSRFA’s web site: http://pugetsoundfire.org/
Tahoma School District
New THS Superintendent Tony Giurado started on July 1. Superintendent Giurado described how THS supports key parts of the Area Council’s Vision: “facilitating strong local ties and com- munication….supporting quality education….protecting the environment….promoting controlled and well-planned growth with appropriate infrastructure….supporting the health and safety and the privacy of our vibrant community.”
THS has ~8,000 students attending 9 schools (6 elementary schools, 2 middle school, and 1 comprehensive high school) with a 92.8% graduation rate.
Superintendent Giurado provided his background including his roots in the Denver, Colorado, area. He believes in do things right the first time as life is too short to let yourself get down. Challenges should be embraced and can be overcome. He entered the field of education to make a difference. He wants students to have a pathway to lifelong personal success.
Superintendent Giurado listed studentfuture-ready skills provided to each graduate: (1) Knowledge, skills, and ability to succeed in the next steps of their lives; (2) Ability to navigate a rapidly changing 21st century world; and (3) Potential to mobilize their academic knowledge to solve problems and innovate. Accordingly, THS has increased the number of course options for students to better prepare for either college or technical fields.
Recently a series of Superintendent Listening Tours were conducted to build relationships, learn about the district, and better understand current reality and desired reality. The top themes heard were: growth (capacity and staffing), culture and climate (positive environment and collaboration), support for students, and schedule.
Superintendent Giurado stated three key THS Goals: (1) Growth in organizational performance; (2) Value added to the community; and (3) Students graduate prepared for college, career, and life.
More information can be found on the THS web site: https://www.tahomasd.us/
Committee Reports
Transportation—The Joint Transportation Initiative (regional group comprised of the members from the Area Council, the Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council, and Green Valley / Lake Holms Association) continues to develop a proposal to address Issaquah-Hobart-Black Diamond Rd corridor issues.
Environment—As a followup to the November 16 joint meeting Area Council / Department of Ecology (DOE) concerning the Reserve Silica Cleanup Draft Agreed Order, the GMVUAC agreed to prepare and submit detailed comments to DOE by its December 7 deadline.
Growth Management—On November 9 the Area Council joined with other UAC/Associations to prepare and submitted comments to the King County Council’s Planning, Rural Affairs, & Environment Committee regarding a proposed Adult Beverage Ordinance that deals with tasting room businesses in the Rural Area. On November 29 the committee chair spoke with KCDOT’s Rick Brater. KCDOT has started to negotiate Haul-Route Agreements with gravel and soil businesses along Lake Francis Rd to define what mitigation will be required to preserve the road’s integrity and safety.
Upcoming Monthly Meetings
Monthly meetings for 2019 currently are being planned and speakers selected. If you have topics you would like to see discussed, please e-mail them to: info@gmvuac.org.
All monthly meetings are from 7 – 9:30 PM and held at the Fire Station located at the SE corner of SE 231st St & SR-169 intersection across from the Maple Valley Police Precinct. All members of the Public are welcome. Each meeting begins with an open Public Comment period.
Your Area Council serves as an all-volunteer, locally elected advisory body to King County on behalf of all rural unincorporated area residents living in the Tahoma School District. For more information, please visit: www.gmvuac.org.
