Chehalis School District Superinternent Rick Goble presents a retirement gift to Director Colleen State during a Chehalis School Board Meeting at W.F. West on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
The Chehalis School District Board of Directors held a special ceremony on November 18, 2023, to honor two retiring board members, Colleen State and Larry Petersen. Superintendent Rick Goble and other district administrators expressed gratitude for the duo’s contributions, emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing student welfare in decision-making.
Colleen State, who joined the board in 2011, is a retired educator with extensive teaching experience at Onalaska and Centralia high schools. In recognition of her service, Goble presented State with a bouquet of flowers. He highlighted her unique perspective, shaped by her years in education, as invaluable to the board’s discussions.
“I really appreciated the point of view and the perspectives you’ve brought to the board,” Goble remarked. “That’s a really important perspective to have on the board, and I just want to say that I really appreciate you.”
State reflected on her tenure, expressing that she received just as much as she gave. “Now, I would like to say that I have loved almost every minute,” she stated, eliciting laughter from the audience. “There have been some interesting and challenging times, but I have to say, as a board, as a district, we do what’s best for kids, and that’s the bottom line.”
Petersen was also recognized for his contributions during his second term on the board. Appointed in June 2024 following the resignation of Alan Browning, Petersen previously served from 2019 to 2023. In appreciation, Goble presented him with a wrapped gift.
“We really appreciate your experience that you’ve brought to this board, your knowledge and thoughtfulness,” Goble said. “It’s been a blessing to have you on our board to serve the way you have and to really be a voice in the community.”
Petersen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging ongoing challenges, particularly regarding the district’s budget. “We still have a budget problem, but we’re addressing it and getting it through,” he noted. “And like Colleen said, it’s all for the students.”
The ceremony concluded with remarks from fellow board members, who thanked the retiring directors for their dedication. J. Vander Stoep, School Board President, commended Petersen’s work on budgetary matters. He noted that despite differing viewpoints, he and State reached an agreement 95% of the time, often leading to better outcomes for the district.
Board Director Kelsi Hamilton highlighted Petersen’s timely return to the board, while also expressing appreciation for the insights she gained from State. Tim LeDuc called it “an honor and privilege” to have worked alongside both retiring members.
State and Petersen’s positions will soon be filled by Katrina Meier and Lance Tornow, who both ran unopposed in the 2025 general election. This transition marks a new chapter for the Chehalis School District as it continues to focus on the needs of its students and community.
