Jon Mutchler steps down as lead pastor at Ferndale Alliance Church Youth Pastor Richard Finch to take over from founding minister. — News, A2
MARCH 6, 2024
SINCE 1885
37-year officer Gamage to retire from Ferndale Police Department
FERNDALE, WASHINGTON • $1.50
Ferndale School Board discusses controversial resolution
Rajeev Majumdar kept as hearings examiner By Cal Bratt For the Record
FERNDALE — Steve Gamage, a Ferndale police officer for the past 37 years, will retire on March 7, the City Council learned at its Monday meeting. Gamage started with the Ferndale police force in November 1987, making him now the longest-serving employee in the history of the department, City Administrator Jori Burnett reported to council from Police Chief Kevin Turner. “Steve is an institution of knowledge and is incredibly hardworking. He will be missed, but we know he is very excited to start this next chapter” are the notes from administration. When Gamage started, Ferndale’s population was 4,810 (now over 16,000) and there were six officers in the department (now 26). Gamage’s first patrol car was a 1982 Dodge Diplomat (from California with 80,000plus miles on it) and an old mechanical rotating light on top that would stop working Steve Gamage will retire after several minutes. on March 7 after 37 Gamage served for years as a Ferndale pofour chiefs and went through three differ- lice officer. (Photo courtesy ent Police Depart- City of Ferndale) ment buildings. In other action: • The city keeps the services of a hearings examiner uninterrupted through 2026.The council put Rajeev Majumdar more permanently in the position he has filled on an interim and emergency basis since former 15-year hearings examiner Michael Bobbink passed in late 2023. Majumdar, with a law practice in Bellingham, was president of the Washington State Bar Association a term in 2019-20. He has been the prosecuting attorney for Blaine. With a history of community service, Majumdar received the state bar association’s Local Hero Award in 2015 for his work with indigent populations. A hearings examiner acts essentially as an administrative judge reviewing decisions, appeals and variances for their compliance with regulations. In Ferndale, the person deals primarily with land use cases, but is also responsible in the areas of municipal code and comprehensive planning. Majumdar will be paid $3,000 per month.
See Gamage on A5
Ferndale School Board Member Nancy Button listens, left, as Kwabena Ledbetter, one of the board’s student members, speaks during the board’s Feb. 27 meeting. (Luke Seymour/Ferndale Record)
If made law, House Bill 2331 would prohibit school districts from excluding ‘certain materials’ By Luke Seymour Staff Reporter
FERNDALE — On Feb. 27, the Ferndale School Board reviewed legislation designed to increase the state’s ability to determine a school district’s curriculum. According to the
House Committee on Education, House Bill 2331 represents “an act relating to modifying requirements for public school instructional materials and supplemental instructional materials by prohibiting improper exclusions of certain materials, establishing complaint procedures, and promoting culturally and experientially representative materials.” Should the bill pass, school districts could be defunded if they refuse to adopt controversial curriculum materials mandated by the state. Although other schools in the region have passed House Bill 2331 or draft bills similar in language, District
Superintendent Kristi Dominguez explained that the item was posted on the agenda as a legislative update, which means for discussion only. However, Ferndale School Board Member Nancy Button said the board should have voted to make a movement anyway. Button explained that the resolution represents a rare opportunity for the district to set a course for a future independent of outside pressure. “I think now is the perfect time to stand up for local control over our district,” said Button. “There have been many districts in Washington State that have passed
similar resolutions. First Kennewick and then cities in Whatcom County such as Meridian and Lynden have followed their lead, so I felt like it was only right for us to do our part and maybe draft some of our own legislation.” Button, who was elected in the November 2023 general election, said it’s her duty to stand up for the rights of parents and students alike, and to prioritize their needs over state government. “I believe that we were elected to speak on behalf of parents and to accomplish something on behalf of parents,” ButSee Board on A5
New facilities benefit horticulture, agriculture science programs Ferndale School District
FERNDALE — In January, Ferndale High School’s new CTE wing opened, which provided a state-of-the-art space for many programs such as welding, wood shop, video production, and more. But two of the district’s CTE programs already have new spaces that have enriched students’ experiences. Construction crews finished building the agriculture science building and horticulture greenhouse in the northeast corner of campus this spring. Students in those programs are already fully reaping
the benefits of their new learning environments. “We’re really excited for the future of this program,” said Tony Torretta, who’s taught agriculture science at FHS for 24 years. “I moved here because this is one of the best CTE programs in the state, and we just made the best even better.” The new agriculture science building consists of one large classroom, with plenty of natural light and extra space for hands-on projects such as building wreaths. It’s located at the end of a gravel driveway, so trucks can easily pull in and drop
off plants and animals for students to work with. “There’s more room in here, and it’s more organized,” said Vanessa In-Kheo, a sophomore in Torretta’s agriculture science class. “We’re also doing more outdoor activities now.” The north side of the building features a covered veterinary space, where students will be able to safely work with live animals. The outdoor area can be fenced in to prevent animals from escaping, and there are biosecurity measures such as a handwashing station and a single point
of entry/exit to prevent spreading disease. The south side of the building is the “clean bay” space, where students can hold outdoor meetings or grow plants. Near the agriculture science building is the new greenhouse. It’s about the same size as FHS’ previous greenhouse, but better suited for horticulture classes. The new lexan (transparent walls and ceiling) lets in more natural light, while the previous building was much shadier. “It definitely feels fresher and brighter in See FSD on A6
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In January, Ferndale High School’s new CTE Wing opened, which provided a state-of-the-art space for many programs such as welding, wood shop, video production, and more. But two of our CTE programs already have new spaces that have enriched students’ experiences. (Photo courtesy Ferndale School District)
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Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 11 Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour