Community Update – August 7
As we head into the weekend, I want to provide a few quick updates to our Nine Mile Falls community.
We remain hopeful and are continuing to plan for all school open houses and the start of school to occur as scheduled. We know there are still questions and uncertainty, and we will continue to communicate with local leaders and emergency response partners as we work toward the start of the school year.
For families who continue to need supplies, please remember that resources remain available at the Wagon Wheel Event Center, Tum Tum Food Bank, and The Nine Mile Store. We are grateful to the many people who continue to make these resources available to our community.
We also encourage families impacted by the fires to visit the Fire Resources page on the Nine Mile Falls School District website at 9mile.org. We will continue to add information and resources to this page to help families navigate recovery and find available support.
We are also excited to share more information on Monday about our planned Nine Mile Falls Community Kids Camp. Our tentative plan is to provide a free camp for students ages 5–13 at Lake Spokane Elementary, beginning Wednesday, August 12. The current schedule is:
• Wednesday–Friday, August 12–14 (9am-3pm)
• Monday–Wednesday, August 17–19 (9am-3pm)
We are working with Spokane County Fire District 9 to help ensure students who live on the Spokane County side of our community are able to access the camp.
We will provide more information on Monday, including details about registration, transportation, activities, and opportunities for community members to volunteer and help with the camp. Please be watching for that information.
Thank you, once again, for your continued support of the Nine Mile Falls community. The way our community continues to come together and care for one another is truly something special.
Stay 9 Mile proud and have a safe weekend!
Jeff Baerwald
As we head into the weekend, I want to provide a few quick updates to our Nine Mile Falls community.
We remain hopeful and are continuing to plan for all school open houses and the start of school to occur as scheduled. We know there are still questions and uncertainty, and we will continue to communicate with local leaders and emergency response partners as we work toward the start of the school year.
For families who continue to need supplies, please remember that resources remain available at the Wagon Wheel Event Center, Tum Tum Food Bank, and The Nine Mile Store. We are grateful to the many people who continue to make these resources available to our community.
We also encourage families impacted by the fires to visit the Fire Resources page on the Nine Mile Falls School District website at 9mile.org. We will continue to add information and resources to this page to help families navigate recovery and find available support.
We are also excited to share more information on Monday about our planned Nine Mile Falls Community Kids Camp. Our tentative plan is to provide a free camp for students ages 5–13 at Lake Spokane Elementary, beginning Wednesday, August 12. The current schedule is:
• Wednesday–Friday, August 12–14 (9am-3pm)
• Monday–Wednesday, August 17–19 (9am-3pm)
We are working with Spokane County Fire District 9 to help ensure students who live on the Spokane County side of our community are able to access the camp.
We will provide more information on Monday, including details about registration, transportation, activities, and opportunities for community members to volunteer and help with the camp. Please be watching for that information.
Thank you, once again, for your continued support of the Nine Mile Falls community. The way our community continues to come together and care for one another is truly something special.
Stay 9 Mile proud and have a safe weekend!
Jeff Baerwald
Community Update – August 6
As our community continues to recover from the recent wildfires, I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stepped forward to help.
Thank you to the many community members who have generously donated food, supplies, and financial resources to support families affected by the fires. Your kindness has been nothing short of remarkable. I also want to extend a special thank you to the volunteers who have dedicated countless hours to organizing, sorting, and staffing the donation and distribution sites. Your willingness to serve others is a true reflection of what makes the Nine Mile Falls community so special.
The organizers of our local donation sites have asked me to share their sincere appreciation for the overwhelming support they have received. Thanks to your generosity, they currently have an ample supply of most needed items. At this time, the primary item they would appreciate continuing to receive is bottled water.
Many families have reached out with questions about the start of the school year. Our intent is to begin school as scheduled on Monday, August 24. Like you, however, we still have many unanswered questions. We remain in regular communication with local emergency responders and other decision-makers as recovery efforts continue. When we know more, we will assuredly pass it along.
We ask for your continued patience and understanding as these conversations unfold. Like you, we want all of our schools to be fully accessible, ready to welcome students and families for open houses, and prepared for a successful start to the 2026–2027 school year.
In addition, the Nine Mile Falls School District is partnering with faith leaders in our community to explore the possibility of offering a children's camp beginning next week. We are still in the early stages of planning and working through logistics, but we are excited about the opportunity to provide additional support and connection for our students and families. More information will be shared as plans are finalized.
I would also like to share that the Wagon Wheel is graciously sponsoring a lunch tomorrow beginning at 11:00 a.m. for firefighters and individuals impacted by the fires. We are grateful for their continued support of our community and those who have been working tirelessly throughout this emergency.
As you plan for the upcoming school year, please refer to the 2026–2027 Nine Mile Falls School District Calendar for important dates, including open houses and the first day of school. You can find our calendar on the home page of https://www.9mile.org/
To make it easier for families to access recovery information, the Nine Mile Falls School District has added a "Fire Resources" link to the homepage of our district website. We encourage families impacted by the fires to visit this page, where we will continue to share information, community resources, and recovery support as it becomes available. https://www.9mile.org/o/district/page/fire-relief-resources
While the recovery process will take time, the strength, generosity, and resilience of this community continue to shine through. Every act of kindness, whether through volunteering, donating, supporting a neighbor, or simply offering encouragement, has made a difference. I could not be more proud of how our community has come together to care for one another.
Thank you for your continued support and patience. We will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.
Please stay safe and 9 Mile Proud.
Jeff Baerwald
Community Update - August 5
As our community continues to navigate the challenges brought on by the wildfires, I want to begin by thanking each of you for the compassion, resilience, and generosity you have shown over the past several days. Once again, the people of Nine Mile Falls have demonstrated what it means to come together in support of one another.
I know many of you are asking important questions, including:
Will school start on time?
When will Highway 291 reopen?
At this time, we simply do not have those answers. Please know that district leadership is in regular communication with local emergency responders, county officials, and our public safety partners. As soon as we have confirmed information regarding school operations, transportation, or access into and out of our community, we will communicate it with our families immediately.
Our community donation efforts also continue to make a tremendous difference. Donation sites remain open and are accepting contributions for families impacted by the fires.
The Wagon Wheel Event Center is currently in need of:
Toilet paper
Paper towels
For families on the Charles Road side of the fire, needed supplies are available for pickup at The Nine Mile Store.
If you are looking for additional ways to support our community, I encourage you to continue donating to our local collection sites. You may also make a financial contribution through the Lakeside Boosters Club, which is accepting donations designated for "Community Support." Every act of kindness, whether it is donating supplies, volunteering your time, or supporting financially, helps our neighbors begin the difficult process of recovery.
Please continue to utilize the resources shared in previous updates, including the Spokane Community Resources website, the Fig Tree Community Resource Directory, and the free emergency childcare being provided by Spokane Public Schools for families impacted by the fires.
While there are still many unanswered questions, one thing remains certain: this community continues to show extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience. I could not be more proud to serve the Nine Mile Falls School District and to witness the way our community cares for one another. Together, we will get through this, and together, we will help our neighbors recover.
Thank you for continuing to look out for one another. We will keep you informed as new information becomes available.
Please stay safe and 9 Mile Proud!
Jeff Baerwald
As our community continues to recover from the devastating wildfires, I want to thank everyone who has reached out to support our neighbors in need.
Today, I had the opportunity to visit the Wagon Wheel Event Center and witness firsthand the incredible generosity of the Nine Mile Falls community. The outpouring of donations and volunteers was truly inspiring. I am so thankful and proud to live in a community where people consistently lean in to support one another. This is what makes Nine Mile Falls such a special place.
This morning, administrators from the district also attended a regional Community Support Meeting in Spokane with organizations from across our area. It was encouraging to see so many agencies working together to provide resources and assistance for families impacted by the fires.
As a result of that collaboration, a new resource website has been created to help individuals and families connect with available services and support. I encourage anyone affected by the fires to visit the Spokane Community Resources website.
I also want to share the Fig Tree Community Resource Directory, which provides a comprehensive listing of community organizations and services available throughout our region. It is another excellent resource for families seeking assistance with housing, food, financial support, counseling, and many other needs. (Fig Tree)
I also encourage everyone to continue referring to yesterday's update for information about the free emergency childcare being offered by Spokane Public Schools and the local donation locations and needed items. Those resources remain available and continue to support families impacted by the fires.
As we receive additional information, new resources, or updates regarding access in and out of our community, we will continue to share them with you.
Thank you for your continued compassion, generosity, and commitment to one another. It is during times like these that the strength of our community shines brightest.
Please continue to stay safe and 9 Mile Proud!
Jeff Baerwald
As our community continues to respond to the ongoing wildfires, I want to share a few important updates and resources.
We are grateful to Spokane Public Schools for extending their free emergency drop-in childcare through the end of this week for families impacted by the wildfires. The program is available for children ages 4 and older, Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Shadle Park High School. It is open to families from the Nine Mile Falls, Mead, and Spokane Public Schools service areas and provides a safe, supervised environment while parents and caregivers attend to immediate needs. Lunch is provided through the federal Summer Meals Program.
We sincerely appreciate Spokane Public Schools for partnering with neighboring districts to ensure families have access to this important resource during this challenging time.
Our community continues to demonstrate incredible generosity in supporting those affected by the fires. Donation sites are currently accepting:
Non-perishable food
Toiletries
Bottled water and sports drinks
Diapers and infant care items
Please do not donate clothing at this time until organizers have a better assessment of those needs.
Donations may be dropped off daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at:
Style House 291
The Wagon Wheel
291 Brewhouse
The Nine Mile Store
North Wild Coffee
Thank you to everyone who has stepped forward to support our neighbors during this challenging time. We will continue to share updates and resources as they become available.
Please continue to stay safe and follow the guidance of local emergency officials.
Jeff Baerwald
Nine Mile,
In conversation with Spokane Public Schools, the following message is intended to be shared with our Nine Mile community as resource to support families.
As wildfires continue to impact families across the Spokane region, Spokane Public Schools is working with community partners to provide immediate support, including a free emergency drop-in camp for children.
The free camp is for children ages 4 and older and will take place on Monday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Shadle Park High School. This is intended to give parents and caregivers impacted by wildfires a safe place for their children while they take a break, run errands, or address other immediate needs.
Details:
Who: Children ages 4 and older
When: Monday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Shadle Park High School
Cost: Free
Lunch: Provided at noon through the federal free summer meals program
Supervision: Activities will be supervised by SPS staff
This drop-in camp is open to all families in our region who’ve been impacted by wildfires, whether in the Nine Mile, Mead, or Spokane Public Schools service boundaries. We hope to provide a small measure of support for families managing this difficult and evolving situation.
SPS may consider additional camp locations across Spokane based on community need and the response to this initial offering.
We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Stay safe!
Jeff Baerwald
Nine Mile,
Our thoughts remain with everyone who has been impacted by the wildfires in our region. We continue to keep the affected families, our first responders, and all those working tirelessly to protect our community in our thoughts.
Today, I was able to check on three of our four school buildings. Lakeside High School, Lakeside Middle School, and Lake Spokane Elementary have not sustained any known damage and currently have power. I was unable to access Nine Mile Falls Elementary due to the proximity of the Autumn Lane Fire. At this time, I have been informed that the building is without power, but we have not received any reports of damage.
The Nine Mile Falls School District remains in communication with local emergency officials and stands ready to assist our community in any way we can. To help meet immediate needs, we have opened the parking area at Lakeside Middle School for anyone who needs a safe place to store vehicles, trailers, or other equipment.
One of the most encouraging things we have witnessed is the incredible way our community has come together to support those affected by these fires. Local collection sites are currently accepting donations of:
Non-perishable food
Toiletries
Bottled water
Sports drinks
Diapers and infant care items
At this time, organizers are asking that clothing not be donated until they have a better assessment of those needs.
Donations may be dropped off between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Style House 291
The Wagon Wheel
291 Brewhouse
The Nine Mile Store
North Wild Coffee
We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for supporting one another during this challenging time. Our community has always been strongest when we come together, and that spirit is evident once again.
Please continue to stay informed, follow the direction of local emergency officials, and most importantly, stay safe.
Jeff Baerwald
Yesterday, our region experienced multiple wildfires that resulted in evacuations and the heartbreaking loss of homes. Our thoughts are with the families, first responders, and everyone impacted by these events.
Since yesterday, I have been in communication with the Stevens County Fire Chief to determine how the Nine Mile Falls School District can best support our community. At this time, we have not been asked to open any district facilities; however, we stand ready to do so if the need arises.
We will continue to work closely with our local emergency response partners and will share updates with our community if circumstances change. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to follow guidance from local emergency officials and prioritize the safety of your family.
Please keep those affected by these fires in your thoughts as our community comes together to support one another during this difficult time.
Jeff Baerwald
The Nine Mile Falls School District is pleased to announce the selection of Alexis Padgham as the next principal of Nine Mile Falls Elementary School and the 9 Mile Family Partnership Program.
Mrs. Padgham joins us from Spokane Public Schools, where she has served as an assistant principal for the past two years. Prior to her administrative role, she spent more than a decade as an elementary classroom teacher, bringing a strong foundation in instructional leadership and student-centered learning.
Alexis shared the following message with our community:
"I am looking forward to getting to know the Nine Mile community inside and out, partnering with all of you, and working together to grow our kids."
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the parents and staff members who participated in the interview process. Your thoughtful feedback and commitment to finding the right leader for our school were invaluable.
Please join us in welcoming Alexis to the Nine Mile Falls School District. We are excited for the relationships she will build and the leadership she will provide to our students, staff, and families.
Mrs. Padgham joins us from Spokane Public Schools, where she has served as an assistant principal for the past two years. Prior to her administrative role, she spent more than a decade as an elementary classroom teacher, bringing a strong foundation in instructional leadership and student-centered learning.
Alexis shared the following message with our community:
"I am looking forward to getting to know the Nine Mile community inside and out, partnering with all of you, and working together to grow our kids."
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the parents and staff members who participated in the interview process. Your thoughtful feedback and commitment to finding the right leader for our school were invaluable.
Please join us in welcoming Alexis to the Nine Mile Falls School District. We are excited for the relationships she will build and the leadership she will provide to our students, staff, and families.
The Nine Mile Falls School District is pleased to announce the selection of Heather Gamboa as the next principal of Lakeside Middle School, effective July 1, 2026.
Mrs. Gamboa's experience, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to student success make her an outstanding choice to lead Lakeside Middle School. We are confident she will build upon the school's strong foundation by fostering meaningful relationships and upholding a culture of excellence for students and staff.
The district would also like to thank parents, students, community members and district staff who participated in the interviews and provided valuable feedback throughout the selection process.
Welcome, Heather, to your new role! We are excited about our continued partnership with you!
As we wrap up the 2025–26 school year, we want to take a moment to thank our students, staff, families, and community for another year of learning, growth, support, and connection across Nine Mile Falls School District.
This year was filled with hard work, milestones, celebrations, challenges, and plenty of moments that remind us why public schools matter. We are grateful for the people who show up every day for our students and for the community that continues to support our schools.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, sunny, and restful summer filled with family, fun, and a little time to recharge. Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are proud of you and look forward to welcoming students back in the fall.
Enjoy your summer, Nine Mile Falls! ☀️🎉🌻⛱️
#NineMileFalls #NMFSD #9MileProud #GoEagles #NineMileFallsSchoolDistrict #EnjoyYourSummer
This year was filled with hard work, milestones, celebrations, challenges, and plenty of moments that remind us why public schools matter. We are grateful for the people who show up every day for our students and for the community that continues to support our schools.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, sunny, and restful summer filled with family, fun, and a little time to recharge. Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are proud of you and look forward to welcoming students back in the fall.
Enjoy your summer, Nine Mile Falls! ☀️🎉🌻⛱️
#NineMileFalls #NMFSD #9MileProud #GoEagles #NineMileFallsSchoolDistrict #EnjoyYourSummer
Families, just a friendly reminder that tomorrow, Thursday, June 11, 2026 is NOT a late start Thursday.
Thank you!
The Nine Mile Falls School District is pleased to announce the selection of Mike McCune as the next principal of Lakeside High School, effective July 1, 2026.
Mr. McCune was selected following a comprehensive interview process that included staff, students, parents, and district leadership. Throughout the process, he demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, relationship-centered leadership, and the continued growth of Lakeside High School.
Mr. McCune brings a passion for creating a positive school culture and supporting high levels of learning for all students. He is committed to collaborating with staff and families while continuing the strong traditions and programs that make Lakeside High School a special place for students.
The district would also like to thank all staff, parents, students, and community members who participated in the interview process and provided valuable feedback throughout the selection process.
Mr. McCune was selected following a comprehensive interview process that included staff, students, parents, and district leadership. Throughout the process, he demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, relationship-centered leadership, and the continued growth of Lakeside High School.
Mr. McCune brings a passion for creating a positive school culture and supporting high levels of learning for all students. He is committed to collaborating with staff and families while continuing the strong traditions and programs that make Lakeside High School a special place for students.
The district would also like to thank all staff, parents, students, and community members who participated in the interview process and provided valuable feedback throughout the selection process.
Today we are celebrating our incredible Speech Team at Nine Mile Falls School District! 💙💚
Thank you to Samantha Fantin, Yesha Rains, Kimmer Bertelli, and Taebrooke Clarke for the compassion, patience, and expertise you bring to our students every day.
Your work helps students build confidence, strengthen communication, connect with others, and find their voice. The impact you make reaches far beyond the classroom and changes lives in meaningful ways.
We are grateful for all you do for our students, families, and schools.
#SpeechTeamAppreciation #9MilePride #ChangingLives #StudentSuccess
Thank you to Samantha Fantin, Yesha Rains, Kimmer Bertelli, and Taebrooke Clarke for the compassion, patience, and expertise you bring to our students every day.
Your work helps students build confidence, strengthen communication, connect with others, and find their voice. The impact you make reaches far beyond the classroom and changes lives in meaningful ways.
We are grateful for all you do for our students, families, and schools.
#SpeechTeamAppreciation #9MilePride #ChangingLives #StudentSuccess
Families, Lakeside High School went into a secure and teach drill that lasted approximately 15 minutes this morning (5/8/26 at approximately 8:15am). This was due to a student health situation. First responders are on site and the student is attentive, alert and receiving medical care. The secure and teach for the student medical emergency has been lifted. This is a health emergency, not a threat of any kind. Thank you.
Do you know who we should be recognizing this week?
Here are a few clues:
They solve mysteries.
They find lost inhalers.
They have Band-Aids with them all the time.
They know how to comfort worried parents on the phone.
And somehow know exactly when a student is “actually sick” versus “trying to avoid a math test”.
If you guessed school nurses, you are absolutely correct.
May 6th is School Nurses Day, while May 6th through May 12th is Nurses Week. And we want to celebrate our amazing nurses, Renee and Karen, for the care they bring into our schools each day.
Thank you for tending to all the scraped knees, keeping the ice packs cold, offering tissues for sneezes, and supporting our staff through CPR training and emergency preparedness throughout the year.
We appreciate all the ways you support our students, staff, and families across the Nine Mile Falls School District. Thank you for everything you do!
Happy School Lunch Hero Day! Thank you NMFSD Heroes!
Families,
The LHS secure and teach for the student medical emergency has been lifted. The student is recieving care and with her family. Thank you
Lakeside High School is in a secure and teach protocol at this time (4/28/2026 - 11:20am) due to a student health situation. First responders are on site and the students guardians are on site. This is a health emergency, not a threat of any kind. Thank you
Nine Mile Families and staff,
It is Tuesday April 28th at 5:15am - We have been notified by law enforcement that all school bus traffic is to stay at least one half mile away from the corner of Suncrest Drive and Greenfield. Please contact transportation (509)388-0508 to identify an alternative bus stop for your child or please drive your child to school. Thank you.