The following are updates from the Jan. 8 school board study session and meeting.
Impact of governor’s proposed budget
Chief Financial Officer Ron Hack gave the board a summary of the governor’s proposed budget and how it would affect the district for the 2009-10 school year. With governor’s proposed budget, district administrators anticipate no major staff layoffs or major program cuts in basic education. Categorical programs would need to operate within program revenues.
The I-732 Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) would be suspended, and I-728 funding would be reduced by 21 percent in 2009-10 and by 23 percent in 2010-11. Other budget cuts include reduction of local effort assistance (LEA) by 33 percent each year; elimination of professional development for math and science education and a variety of allocations/grant and smaller programs; and suspension of teacher mentor program. These are preliminary numbers, and the state’s March forecast will likely have an impact on these figures.
Superintendent Art Jarvis challenged the governor and Legislature is to “fix the system.” “Districts cannot make cuts year after year without cutting staff,” he said. “Our board has been remarkable in keeping employees … we do not see major changes in staffing, class size or programs at this point.”
Board discussions
· The board agreed to develop an online President’s Blog where the board could report information to the community to help them be more aware of what is happening in the district and improve communication with the community. To begin with, the blog would not take community comments.
· The board will proceed with implementation of a school climate initiative and develop a “road show” to share good things across the district to enhance the learning environment.
· The board reviewed an extensive list of topics under consideration for study sessions and suggested additional topics such as the calendar for next year and strategic planning. The board discussed the start time of the study sessions, with some favoring a 5 p.m. start time. Dr. Jarvis and President Kim Golding will prepare a list of study topics and present the list to the board at a future date.
School Board Recognition Month
January is School Board Recognition Month. Dr. Jarvis thanked board members for their service and presented certificates of appreciation. He told the board, “Your gift of time goes far beyond what most people understand—it’s a volunteer position where you give many hours of your personal time. It’s all about kids and nothing is more precious to us than our children. You give an astounding level of service.”
Other board actions
The board approved the continuation of the interlocal agreement with Green River Community College for Oct. 1, 2008, through Aug. 31, 2009. This contract provides for students in the college to use the site as a learning laboratory while concurrently assisting with ongoing management of the stewardship forest.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 253.571.1015.