End-of-school-year budget set to end in the black

DAYTON-The School District 2 Board approved the annual financial audit; were advised of funding awarded for Chromebooks, iPads and FM systems; heard recommendations for new school year length, and quarterly work retreats; and a request of additional 12 early release days during the monthly work session on May 3.

met for the monthly work session on May 3 where following the approval of the consent agenda, they heard a budget report from Business Manager Jana Eaton. Superintendent Rich Stewart suggested topics for upcoming Board work sessions including to review the Strategic Plan and for approval his goals for the 2023-24 school year and the improvement plans for each school. He also proposed they consider adding professional learning days to the calendar and investigate and consider the option of a more balanced school year with shorter breaks. Finally, he asked the Board to consider adding quarterly retreats to their meeting schedule.

The Board approved the annual financial audit provided by Business Manager Jana Eaton. In her report, it was indicated that the current school year budget reserve balance should end above the $450,000 required by district policy. Budget planning for next year will begin with a little over $7 million, instead of the $8 million for the current year, The $1 million decrease is due to the end of federal emergency relief (ESSER) funds. Eaton said they are applying for grant funding to help supplement the budget. One would specifically provide for three staff positions.

The budget is being altered for a full athletic program due to the end of combined athletics; seeking funds for uniforms, or can charge fees, use gate fees, and team fundraising. Officials' fees have gone up; the current year paid $31,000.

Other grant funding was awarded for $84,000 for the purchase of 200 Chromebooks, and three iPads and three FM systems for those with hearing needs. Also, a foodservices grant will afford a refrigerated merchandizing case. All grant funds allow for district money to be reallocated to other areas. Superintendent Rich Stewart said, "We can't live off of grants, but we certainly can survive." The Board passed the audit and Stewart commended Eaton for her work in making it successful.

Stewart made recommendations to include on work session regular topics of importance on the agenda to review; proposed creating a balanced school year calendar limiting school break length, moving towards year-round school-Washington State grants available for districts moving in that direction. They would consider union, The Club, and seasonal work requirements such as harvest, in developing a calendar. Stewart indicated the idea must fit the community.

In addition, Stewart suggested a quarterly board retreat in an amended schedule of board meetings of twice a month including August and potentially April which were typically months where they only met once.

Stewart recommended an increase of 12 days to the already eight early release days for staff education. The district currently provides over the required educational hours for students, and he believes there is room for the added professional hours. The staff will be using the book Learning by Doing by Richard and Rebecca DuFour to develop a professional learning community (PLC). Stewart explained, "It is an ongoing process in which educators work collaboratively in recurring cycles of collective inquiry and action research to achieve better results for the students they serve." This would help staff to work together towards the same goals using data collected.

All topics for proposal may be presented for action at a future regular meeting. The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17.