Cheney Public Schools students, families, and community,

Welcome to Cheney Public Schools! I am honored to be part of this incredible team and community. This year marks my 26th year in education, and I have been so fortunate to work with dedicated educators and additional staff every year of my career.

For me, relationships are the heart of education. Rita Pierson, an educator who did a TED Talk with millions of views says, “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” I believe relationships are the foundation of a student’s education.

Our district is committed to continual improvement, not only for our students but for our staff, administrators, and community members alike. Currently, there are several impactful projects underway for the 2023-24 school year across the district. Our Long-Range Facility Planning Committee, comprised of five parents from each of our three distinct communities—Airway Heights, Cheney, and West Plains—along with key stakeholders, collaborated for more than six months during 2023 to determine the facilities needs of the district. Through the research and analysis of this grassroots community-based effort, the committee determined the district needs: one elementary school in Airway Heights, land for a second elementary school, land for a secondary school, and campus upgrades.

Coming this February, community members will have an opportunity to influence the district with the Feb. 13, 2024 Special Election. In November, the School Board unanimously approved three measures, including a replacement EP&O Levy, a replacement Capital Levy, and a School Construction Bond. Community members will be able to vote on each of these measures in the Feb. 13, 2024 Special Election. For more information on each measure, click here.

The district’s Strategic Plan is another major project utilizing community feedback. This fall, the district is gathering feedback from students, parents, guardians, staff, and community members that will provide invaluable data to help the district best prioritize the community’s needs as part of the Strategic Plan.

The number of major projects the district is working on this year is exciting, and I am so thankful for the hard work of our staff, administrators, and community members in their dedication to the continuous improvement of Cheney Public Schools!

Thank you for your continuous support. I am excited to be part of such an incredible district!

Ben

Ben Ferney, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Cheney Public Schools