Kennewick School Board Meeting November 17, 2010
Board president Dawn Adams was absent. Board member Lynn Fielding was 13 minutes late.
Board member Heather Kintzley was acting president
Business:
- Superintendent Dave Bond reported KSD has received a state energy efficiency grant for $88,000.
- Doug Carl reported the Southgate renovation is going well and the new KSD administration building will be ready for occupancy by December 13 when offices will begin moving there
- Vic Roberts reported $94.6 million is available for capital projects. $81 million is committed for projects leaving a balance of about $13 million for future projects
- Bond reported fall 2nd grade DRA test results. Scores ranged from 55% of Edison students meeting the standard to 88% of Cottonwood students meeting standard.
- Results of two days of community presentations were offered by Bond. All citizen comments have been recorded for board review. In January the board will decide whether to continue community presentations in this format or to revise it.
- College Readiness, a new KSD publication was presented by Lorraine Cooper
- The state budget outlook was given by Vic Roberts. See details below.
- The board unanimously approved the Southridge band and choir trip to Disneyland next April. A revised school board field trip policy will rule on future field trip requests.
- The board unanimously approved a plan to improve Cooper Larson field #2 at Canyon View Elementary with conditions to meet requests of neighbors
- The board unanimously approved the sale of 4.87 acres near LaPierre field which is appraised at $146,000. but may have to be sold for less
- Bev Johnson-Torelli gave the first reading of eighteen policy revisions affecting animals in school and conduct of teachers. Staff contact with students outside the school day is regulated.
- Kennewick School District Administration Center was approved to name the new administration building in the former Food Pavilion
State Budget Outlook -
Based on election results with voters rejecting a state income tax, repealing tax on bottled water and candy, rejecting additional bonding capacity and requiring a 2/3 vote of both houses of the legislature to pass new taxes it is clear schools must accept reduced budgets.
With the state budget deficit projected to be $4.5 to 5 billion the governor acknowledges voters want programs cut.
Unprotected state funds KSD has been receiving that could be cut by the state include:
K-3 Enhancement $1.6 million
Full Day Kindergarten $1.2 million
Teacher bonuses $665,000.
Highly Capable $140,000.
Food Service $112,000.
Levy Equalization $10.3 million
These cuts total $14 million.
How can KSD handle $5 to 10 million in budget cuts?
Apply for Federal Jobs Funds $3.18 million
Apply KSD fund balance $5 million
Budget cuts (non-employee costs) $1 to 2 million
Staff reductions
Ask voters for a new levy
Timing is not good for a new levy vote which could not happen before February 2012.
Bond noted that he and other superintendents have met with state legislators to remind them the state constitution mandates only one paramount duty – education.
Note: Conduct among board members was cordial and laced with moments of humor. Kintzley performed well as acting president.
