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A room full of teachers and staffers addressed the Nespelem School Board last week, declaring that Principal Superintendent John Adkins is doing a very good job.

Board Member Pat Morin said it was the biggest crowd he’s seen in five years.

Teacher Tracy White said she has worked under eight superintendents at the school over the last 24 years. Adkins, she said, is positive with students and staff.

“Since he has been here, he has made all of us better teachers,” she said. “When he’s walking up and down the hall … he’s always got a big high five and words of encouragement.”

“We have huge challenges here,” she said. “And through it all he remains positive and always does what’s best for our school … with a smile for all of us and kind words for everybody.”

White, and several others, noted Adkins often gives a couple days’ thought to problems or questions, not responding hastily.

Dean Erickson said Adkins has been the best principal at the school in 34 years. “There’s nobody even close to what John has accomplished at this school, nobody.”

He said test scores are improving, discipline (problems) are at an all-time low.

Morin said he wasn’t sure what had instigated the show of support.

He noted that Adkins’ contract had not been renewed because Adkins had asked if he could be let out of his contract if he got a job elsewhere, but “we’re not trying to push him out.”

Board Member Jolene Marchand said the school board wants to help the staff, many of whom are fulfilling varied roles — bus drivers who tutor, tutors also working in the kitchen.

“People are being worked to the bone,” she said. “It’s got to the point where it’s just too much.”

Librarian and bus driver Sue Dickey, a 36-year employee, noted that it’s hard to get substitute staff to come to the school because of its driving distance from their homes.

Marchand said she wanted to increase their pay.

Later in the meeting Adkins told the board the school is in much better shape financially than it was five years ago, and that the board had latitude to address priorities.

“It’s OK to dream and get it all on the table,” he said.