...NewsLinks Special Edition
A Web-based newsletter for the staff of Everett Public Schools
May 25, 2010 Special Edition (NewsLinks articles are now archived on Docushare)
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT – School board votes to put Supplemental Educational Programs and Operations Levy on ballot Aug. 17, 2010
At a special board meeting on Monday evening, your school board voted to place a supplemental levy on the ballot in August. The board’s reasons for doing so are to maintain current quality programs and to protect students from the effects of deeper cuts expected in the next state budget cycle. The state expects the loss of millions in federal stimulus funds at the conclusion of the next school year.
The school board believes that it is the state’s responsibility to fully fund schools, but the state is not doing so. Board member Kristie Dutton clearly and persuasively argued that we should put this issue on the ballot and let our local voters decide whether to make up for the state’s funding shortfall to maintain Everett Public Schools’ educational programs.
Jeff Russell agreed, noting that for many students, school is their “treasure island.” He was passionate in advocating for students with less-than-ideal life situations, saying that school is a place of hope for them. “We cannot pull the rug out from under them by failing to at least place this issue on the ballot.”
Board members were joined by levy committee members Karen Madsen, Gay Campbell and Victoria Bosket. Karen reported on the levy committee’s recent survey which indicated that it is very possible for the August levy to be approved. Karen stated that it will require a lot of volunteer work, careful and consistent messaging and united support from the school board. Karen noted that the surveyed voters were especially positive about work the levy supports – like the work that has resulted in a 90.2% extended graduation rate.
Earlier this year I shared with you my view that the state essentially told Washington school districts, “We aren’t going to give you the funding we have done in the past. We are going to cut I-728, which was approved overwhelmingly by the voters, and we are going to reduce key funding in other areas. But you can ask your local voters if they want to make up some of that difference if you would like to.”
Due largely to the state budget cuts, our district went through a public process to cut nearly $3.8 million from next school year’s budget. Current estimates are that for 2011-12, we will face another $4 million to $5 million in reductions. The supplemental levy is the state Legislature’s response to the cuts that districts across the state are absorbing and will face in the future.
The first time such a levy can be on the ballot is in August. Your school board showed strong support for the work you do every day in our schools. The board said “yes” to its support of this levy and its commitment to maintain funding that has enabled our district to achieve learning gains.
Resolution 996, Supplemental Educational Programs and Operations Levy, passed by a vote of four to one. The dissenting vote was cast by Jessica Olson.
Everett Public Schools complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Officer, ADA District Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator. Affirmative Action Officer, Carol Stolz, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4106, Title IX Officer, Randi Seaberg, 3715 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201, 425-385-4104, ADA Coordinator, Kristine McDowell, 202 Alder St., Everett WA 98203, 425-385-5250, Section 504 Coordinator, Becky Ballbach, 4730 Colby Ave., Everett WA 98203, 425-385-4086.
Diane Bradford (previously Lindenstein)
Communications Dept.
Everett Public Schools
425-385-4040
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