Grapeview's new boss aims to steer steady course

While the Grapeview School District has hired a handful of new folks and moved some familiar faces into new roles, even its biggest changes in the coming school year aim to keep the district on an even keel.

Kurt Hilyard is no longer superintendent, but his replacement, Gerry Grubbs, is no stranger to Grapeview. Grubbs interned under Hilyard for the past two years as part of the Washington State University superintendent certification program.

"I'd already known and admired Kurt, so I was happy to have him as a mentor," said Grubbs, who has also worked as a part-time superintendent for a small...