Deer Park News: Schools chief supports Joe Feist

After a seven-week search that included 22 applications, seven interviews and three site visits, Superintendent Mick Miller recommended Joe Feist to the Board of Directors as the next principal for Deer Park High School.

Miller’s recommendation was based upon input from a selection committee of 18, made up of students, staff, parents and administration.

Feist started his new position on July 1 to be ready to greet students this fall.

Feist had been named principal of Jenkins Middle School in Chewelah before his appointment in Deer Park. In addition, Feist was the Chewelah district’s CTE director and an assistant principal and athletic director at Jenkins High School. Prior to Chewelah, where Joe was a successful basketball coach as well, he served as an assistant principal at South Whidbey Island High School and as a teacher/coach at West Valley High School in Spokane.

DP Civic Center renovation plans

The Deer Park Arts Commission held a public hearing in May to take input from community members. The suggestions were presented to the Deer Park City Council June 20.

The Arts Commission plans to renovate the building in phases. Phase One will include addressing handicap access, electrical wiring and plumbing upgrades, new paint and ceiling fans and new restrooms.

Phase Two will renovate the kitchen, stage, storage areas, office space and gymnasium.

Phase Three calls for installing a sound system, stage lighting, stage curtains, acoustics and exterior painting.

The arts commission plans on using the present front entrance as a back or emergency door, retaining the historical appearance of the building. A new entrance will be built near the parking area behind the building.

The Arts Commission will be applying for grants for the renovation project, but painting volunteers will be needed later this summer.

To rent the building or for more information call the Deer Park Arts Commission at 276-8884 or 276-5938.

Neighbor Helping Neighbor program

The Deer Park Dispatch News and Greenhouse Community Center have launched a collaborative program called Neighbor Helping Neighbor. The goal of the program is to reach residents in the community who have obstacles accessing the food pantry. For more information, call the Greenhouse Community Center at 276-8224 or visit www.deerparkdispatch

.com.