Task force to evaluate district funds

As the pre-session legislative budget update was handed down from Governor Christine Gregoire’s office last week, the Stanwood Camano School District took steps on Tuesday to educate school board members and administrators on potential cuts in the 2010-11fiscal year.

Although the governor’s update is a preliminary budget, the proposal eliminates virtually all of the funding eligible for cuts.

This doesn’t bode well for school districts across the state, especially for districts facing declining enrollment projections, including Stanwood-Camano.

Using the 2009-10 fiscal year numbers as a baseline, Gary Platt, executive director of business services for the district, created a working template to monitor potential impacts.

According to the report, the state’s elimination of funding for K-4 class size enhancement, Initiative 728 (student achievement) and the highly capable program, combined with the loss of nearly $1.7 million in federal stimulus funds and a projected drop in enrollment of 88 students, could cut the district’s revenue by more than $2.3 million.

Add to that figure potential areas of cost increases such as the employer retirement contribution rate, employee contractual agreements and the reinstatement of nonemployee related costs and the estimated net budget reductions could reach $3.7 million.

In the likely event that an increase in the employer retirement contribution rate is delayed until the following fiscal year, the total budget reduction may sit around $3.1 million.

Regardless of the final legislative budget and expenditure numbers for the district, the superintendent’s office and board of directors are rolling up their sleeves in preparation for tough decisions.

As the mathematical template stands, estimated reductions relating to staffing are around 79 percent of the overall picture.

The numbers are a starting point, said Platt.

“We are looking ahead to provide advance warning on the impacts of the state’s fi- nal budget,” he said. “We have a ways to go.”

A budget task force consisting of administrators, board members, school staff and community members is being formed to examine budget numbers and communicate school program information effectively.

Meetings will continue throughout the school year.

Superintendent Jean Shumate, Ed. D., is hopeful the process fosters a better understanding of various programs and functions of the schools, departments and district as a whole.

In other school board news:

• Alan Acres Tree Farm donated Noble fir trees valued at $140 to the Stanwood High School (SHS) Career and Technical Education Department horticulture program to make holiday wreaths.

Bob and Susan Cole from S & H Development Corporation, “Viking Village Shopping Center,” donated $4,000 to the band and choir programs at SHS.

Robert Riner Studios donated $531 to Twin City Elementary and $784 to Stanwood Elementary from the Firefly Images picture rebate.

Elger Bay Elementary Parent Teacher Association donated $654.50 to help support field trips for students at the school.

• Twin City Elementary student Sterling Stephens was presented with the Shining Star award by his principal, Pam Gentz, and long-term substitute, Megan Sylvester.

Gentz noted that Stephens has spent some time in her office over the years, but has continued to work hard at school and at home.

“Sterling is a joy to have in the building,” said Gentz. “His perseverance to succeed makes him a shining star.”

• Three more shining star awards were presented to Christian, Chase and Chance Blair. The brothers attend Stanwood Middle School. Their principal, Barbara Marsh, said the decision to nominate all three boys was unanimous among staff at the school.

Christian’s teacher, Laure Rancich, pointed out the shining star’s ready smile and sense of humor.

“Christian is an active participant in class,” she said. “He comes to class with a great attitude and a gentle spirit.”

Fighting back tears, Tim Livingston praised his students, Chase and Chance, for overcoming adversity and being role models for their younger brother.

“These young men give their best effort every day,” said Livingston.

•Jim Williams, Stanwood Middle School custodian, was honored as Classified Employee of the Month.

Williams was nominated in part by Kym Shoemaker. She described an employee willing to be helpful under any circumstances.

“Not only does Jim go beyond expectations to enhance the classroom,” she said. “He demonstrates important life-skills with a positive attitude and general care.”

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.