Budget talks continue

The Stanwood-Camano School District seeks input at two community meetings in preparation for next school year’s reduced educational program.

Administrators will present information about the current status of the district’s budget, impacts concerning Washington state’s deficit, estimated decline of enrollment and projected revenue losses for next school year.

Following a presentation of recommendations from budget task force subgroups, community members, parents and staff are encouraged to ask questions and provide comments.

The first meeting is scheduled for March 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the administration and resource center board room, 26920 Pioneer Highway, in Stanwood. A second meeting with the same agenda will take place March 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Utsalady Elementary library, 608 Arrowhead Road, on Camano Island.

The purpose of the community forums, said Superintendent Jean Shumate, Ed.D, is to keep people informed about the budget process and to provide an opportunity for dialogue.

In conjunction with the meetings, an online survey will be available March 1 via the school district’s Web site, www.stanwood.wednet. edu.

Suggestions from the community forums will be processed with information gathered from meetings with staff at each district school, as well as the surveys, by the end of March.

Budget task force subgroups will analyze the compiled information prior to making suggestions to the superintendent.

Shumate and district administrators will consider the findings and make final decisions. The trimmed down educational program will be presented to the board of directors for approval in May.

“Everyone is working diligently to develop a fiscally responsible budget while providing the highest quality educational program for each student,” said Shumate.

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