Press Release
Contact:  Arlene Hulten
Date:   March 26, 2009

 

Lake Schools Looks for Public Comment on Budget Cuts

The community’s input is requested as the district prepares for a minimum 2.1 million dollar budget cut.

A budget survey will be posted to the district’s webpage at www.lkstevens.wednet.edu by Friday, April 3, and the school board and superintendent would appreciate your comments. 

School Board President, Mari Taylor stated, “These are extraordinary times for our nation and the financial strains have arrived at our school doors as well.  We look to tackle these challenges together with our community, keeping in mind that we will get through this and our children will still benefit from the excellent education that we have come to expect in Lake Stevens schools.”

The survey includes 16 categories and programs that may be considered for reductions and asks for your comments regarding each.  The survey will be posted on the website through April 27. 

The district’s website also includes a budget link on the front page that includes a variety of budget related documents, including a budget Question and Answer forum.  You are encouraged to submit your questions about the district’s budget at this site and questions and answers will continue to be posted.

Like school districts all across Washington State, the Lake Stevens School District is preparing for significant budget cuts in order to develop a balanced budget for the 2009-2010 school year.  Based on the Governor’s December budget, which projected a state wide deficit of $5.2 billion dollars, the district estimated a minimum $2.1 million dollar loss in revenue.  That figure is expected to rise significantly based on the recent state budget forecast that predicts a state deficit of over $9 billion dollars.

In addition to expected state funding cuts to education, the district is projecting a declining student enrollment of 118 students for next year.  The state funding formula is based on the number of students enrolled in the school district, thus next year the district will receive less funding based on enrollment as well.

At the March 25 school board meeting the board of directors reviewed the first reading of a resolution to prepare for a reduction in educational programs and staffing.  The second reading and possible adoption of the resolution is scheduled for the next regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 pm, at the district’s Educational Service Center.