Dear colleagues,

 

After careful consideration and consultation with the school board, I've determined not to send Reduction in Force (RIF) notices to certificated, nonsupervisory staff members this week.

 

My ability to announce this week’s reprieve is due in large part to our community’s support of the Temporary Supplemental Education and Operations levy last August. Without that funding, the educational cuts possible from the Senate’s proposed budget and even those less dire cuts proposed by the governor’s budget would force us into a painful RIF activity this week.

 

This decision is a financial risk the district takes on behalf of all staff whose contributions to student learning are clearly demonstrated and whose careers and livelihoods are linked with us and to our important work. We are counting on a compromise between the House and Senate budgets that lessen the impact of the Senate’s proposed 3 percent budget cut. We expect the Legislature to cut our funding, and we are counting on our spirit of cooperation and collaboration to work together on solutions that are within the resources available during these difficult times.

 

The uncertainty I described in Monday’s message still remains. Whatever reductions come out of Olympia, whenever this extended legislative session ends, will impact all of us. Many of us will have the opportunity to show our flexibility as we take on unfamiliar roles to maintain our focus on students.

 

As we have over the last two years, we will continue to work with each employee group’s representative to sort through the impacts of decisions coming from Olympia. We will continue to work collaboratively to protect services and programs for students. I look forward to that work with your representatives, our school board and our community.

 

Remember, May 17 is a time when 15 of our legislators from five legislative districts will be in Everett at Cascade High School at 7:30 p.m. to speak to us and to hear from us.

 

Thank you for your work and commitment, your resolve through good times and trying times and for being a team this community is proud to support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Gary