Plenty of changes as Tacoma kicks off new school year
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TACOMA, Wash. -- The first day of school in Tacoma ushered in a whole host of changes from new sports programs to new principals - all with a new superintendent at the helm.
Among the changes that Carla Santorno has made include appointing new principals, such as Kevin Ikdea who now heads Stadium High School.
"He was my middle school principal as a matter of fact and yeah, he's a cool guy," said Stadium senior Ben Hall. "I'm looking forward to it and I have a lot of faith in him."
Students will find a new math curriculum designed to improve skills, an enhanced way to track student progress, and another Montessori school - all paid with the last voter funded measure.
"It's unique. Not many district do it," said district spokesman Dan Voelpel.
Other major changes revolve around sports -- adding tackle football and girls cross country for middle schoolers.
"The last time we had tackle football was 1987," said Jennifer Kubista, Tacoma Schools Director of Student Life.
She says they did it with creative funding.
"There's a start up expense of $300,000."
One additional cost is about $100,000 for the salaries of the coaches taking on these new sports and they certainly are popular. About 40 percent of all middle schoolers in this district participate in sports.
Among the changes that Carla Santorno has made include appointing new principals, such as Kevin Ikdea who now heads Stadium High School.
"He was my middle school principal as a matter of fact and yeah, he's a cool guy," said Stadium senior Ben Hall. "I'm looking forward to it and I have a lot of faith in him."
Students will find a new math curriculum designed to improve skills, an enhanced way to track student progress, and another Montessori school - all paid with the last voter funded measure.
"It's unique. Not many district do it," said district spokesman Dan Voelpel.
Other major changes revolve around sports -- adding tackle football and girls cross country for middle schoolers.
"The last time we had tackle football was 1987," said Jennifer Kubista, Tacoma Schools Director of Student Life.
She says they did it with creative funding.
"There's a start up expense of $300,000."
One additional cost is about $100,000 for the salaries of the coaches taking on these new sports and they certainly are popular. About 40 percent of all middle schoolers in this district participate in sports.
Yay! I'm so glad they are funding sports. It's a great way to keep a kid engaged in something positive instead of running the streets when they get home from school waiting for their parents to get home from work. It cuts down on childhood obesity. It helps students feel like they are a valuable part of their school. It puts focus back on academics since they need to be attending and passing their classes to participate. Also, it's super fun!