By one key measure, public schools in Benton and Franklin counties have shown strong progress. By another, students in the counties’ public schools are not succeeding.The positive conclusion stems from high school graduation rates, or specifically for this column, the five-year high school graduation rate.Benton-Franklin Trends data reveals steady progress...
Recently someone very dear to me said they were in near physical pain listening to an investment presentation. They were probably exaggerating, but it was an understandable feeling. They went from starting a foundation with budgeting and a savings plan to a detailed review of portfolio theory and valuations.This would...
As higher education costs continue to rise, it is important to consider how best to fund your child’s or grandchild’s education.I propose a multi-pronged approach to use tax-advantaged 529 plans, trusts and term life insurance.The 529 plan offers great long-term savings capability, but in the event of a worst-case scenario,...
A nonprofit with a bold plan to build a performing arts center at the heart of Kennewick’s Vista Field has pulled out, saying it intends to pursue taxpayer funding in Richland.The Vista Arts Center vision is still very much alive, but the financial model has shifted to a public-private partnership,...
Richland students will get a jump start on health care careers thanks to a new academy set to launch this fall.The Richland School District opens its new Academy of Health & Sciences at Richland High School this fall. Students are encouraged to enroll in the courses this winter as they...
By Kris JohnsonIf it seems like you’ve seen a lot “help wanted” signs lately, you’re not imagining things.Now more than a decade into the current economic expansion, the national unemployment rate is at a 50-year low, labor market participation is at the highest rate in nearly seven years and recent...
Sandra Haynes ChancellorWashington State University Tri-Cities Number of employees you oversee: Approximately 245 faculty and staffWhat is WSU Tri-Cities and how does it fit into the Washington State University system?WSU Tri-Cities is a four-year public research university in the Tri-Cities, and is one of six university campuses in the WSU system....
CConstruction work has started on a $6.5 million project that will include a 4-megawatt solar generating array and a 1-megawatt battery energy storage system in north Richand.The project will supply power and energy storage to Richland residents. And it will give the visitor industry a boost too. A solar and...
By Andrew KirkThose who graduated from college or a university this year could expect to make on average about $50,000 for their first year of work, according to several independent national surveys.They could also expect, on average, to have about that much in student debt.Those working in the construction trades...
President of Columbia Basin CollegeNumber of employees you oversee: The college employs approximately 700 regular employees, not including adjuncts, part-time hourly and student workers. Rebekah S. WoodsBrief background about your college: Columbia Basin College is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. Our mission is...
