The Chehalis School District Board of Directors held a special meeting on November 18, 2023, to honor the contributions of two retiring board members, Colleen State and Larry Petersen. The gathering, which included Superintendent Rick Goble and other administrators, featured speeches that highlighted the unwavering commitment of both directors to prioritize student welfare in their decision-making.
Colleen State, who has served on the board since 2011, is a retired educator with extensive teaching experience at Onalaska and Centralia high schools. Superintendent Goble presented her with a bouquet of flowers, expressing gratitude for her years of service. “I really appreciated the point of view and the perspectives you’ve brought to the board,” Goble remarked. He emphasized the importance of having a teacher’s perspective on the board, reflecting on their shared history dating back to his tenure as an assistant principal.
In her farewell address, State shared her personal journey, stating, “I have loved almost every minute.” Her acknowledgment of the challenges faced during her tenure resonated with attendees. She affirmed the board’s commitment to what she described as “the bottom line,” which is ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of students.
Petersen, who is concluding his second term on the board, was also recognized for his contributions. He was appointed in June 2024 to fill a vacancy left by Alan Browning and previously served a four-year term starting in 2019. Goble presented Petersen with a wrapped gift, commending him for his knowledge, thoughtfulness, and willingness to return during a challenging time. “It’s been a blessing to have you on our board to serve the way you have,” Goble stated.
In his farewell speech, Petersen expressed gratitude to the staff, teachers, and fellow board members, acknowledging the budgetary challenges the district faces. “We still have a budget problem, but we’re addressing it and getting it through,” he said. His focus, similar to State’s, remained firmly on the students.
The meeting concluded with other board members expressing their appreciation for the departing directors. J. Vander Stoep, School Board President, noted that Petersen’s contributions to budget discussions have been invaluable. He further remarked on his collaborative relationship with State, stating that they often found common ground, despite differing viewpoints.
Board Director Kelsi Hamilton highlighted Petersen’s timely return to the board during critical circumstances, while Tim LeDuc referred to the experience of working with both State and Petersen as “an honor and privilege.”
Looking ahead, the board will welcome Katrina Meier and Lance Tornow, who were elected unopposed during the 2025 general election. Their appointments will fill the vacancies left by State and Petersen, ensuring that the board continues its mission to support and enhance the educational experience for students in the Chehalis School District.
