The North Wasco County School District 21 (NWCSD21) held a regular board meeting on April 24, 2025, focusing on key issues affecting student participation and funding for extracurricular activities. The discussions highlighted the board's commitment to enhancing student engagement while navigating financial constraints.

A significant topic was the decision to eliminate fees associated with extracurricular activities, which was aimed at increasing student participation. Board members expressed their intent to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder students from fully engaging in high school experiences. The board acknowledged the positive impact of this decision, noting that participation in sports, such as track, has surged, with 80 students currently involved.

However, concerns were raised about the potential unintended consequences of this fee elimination. Board members discussed the need for feedback from the broader student body regarding their views on fees and participation. While the Associated Student Body (ASB) leadership reported strong support for the fee elimination among club members, they recognized the importance of gathering input from all students. Plans were proposed to conduct a survey and create a video to communicate the rationale behind the fee structure changes.

In addition to the fee discussions, the meeting included updates from various school board subcommittees. The fellowship committee announced that scholarships would be awarded to students on the evening of May 29. The community outreach team reported on recent meetings that addressed federal funding opportunities for local projects, including the early childhood learning center and bond funding for Columbia Gorge Community College.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for students while balancing financial realities. The next steps involve further engagement with the student body to ensure that their voices are heard in decisions that affect their school experience.