[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6333773,"mediaKeyId","2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d","parentId",2301532,"title","Granite Falls business report flags enrollment decline, uncertain transportation funding","audioSeconds",235,"startMs",2618000,"endMs",2853000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d&start=2618&end=2853","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d/thumbnail_2618000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6333773/Washington/Granite-Falls-business-report-flags-enrollment-decline-uncertain-transportation-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6333773-c3c67756f18df68a93f77264f5e2d0e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1776607980&Signature=aEiP8LHm-CZ-a2OceugPu2a~IK6v6Kyk3mfHvO3bB8Tci7NTqRHpFD6TOW8daDbOpIz0D0xxBD5aCGzeE8V6r7gcx95PHf84weiQCrFlle-H-r7KIj3B-nbBWv0Us~f0CdgTEJ8noVk1jWh3WBy9c9XedLLLyQQ45W~IlYyUsLi1x51ivsyrI-8IWxsLb0IUe-pxVjEe~TYJjCFJRsRz2j9bPHvOzExly8HQLEYzbpiiS3Wx0HGMQPqhQpf4T-FDj1OxpbL4mVi1VMIOY~kHvn-gmniB0M-WLAYoMcUGT4NC2xle1pucHSZJ3njGF5s5NM7pK8XQe29~6UiQu7FdjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Granite Falls School District, WA","date","2025-02-13T01:52:18Z","article","District business staff told the Granite Falls School District board on Feb. 12 that enrollment has declined since a November peak and that the drop is complicating revenue forecasting for the current year.

Marshall Cruz presented the business report and said the district typically sees enrollment growth through spring; this year, however, counts peaked in November and have steadily fallen. Cruz noted that “every 10 students that you lose, it’s a hundred and $110,000 in revenue,” illustrating how enrollment changes ripple through the district budget. In response, the district has implemented a spending freeze and delayed nonessential hires.

Cruz reviewed state funding programs that could materially affect the district’s final revenue. He said the district requested $560,000 in transportation funding from a statewide pool that totals $13 million; because the statewide bucket is limited, individual district allocations could range from zero up to the full requested amount. Cruz said district transportation revenue was budgeted at $1.6 million but could ultimately be between $1.6 million and $2.4 million depending on state allocations — a variation that would materially affect year‑end results.

Cruz also said special‑education funding changes being discussed at the Legislature could change the district’s revenue picture. He told directors that two special‑education bills under consideration could add roughly $2.5 million to Granite Falls’ revenue if enacted as currently proposed. Cruz urged board members and staff to monitor legislative developments and participate in comment periods.

Directors asked for clearer downside/best‑case/worst‑case forecasting so the board can weigh programmatic tradeoffs early rather than reacting late in the year. Cruz said he will prepare a follow‑up budget presentation showing downside and upside scenarios for the March meeting. The district emphasized that while expenditures are generally under control, revenue uncertainty — particularly from transportation allocations and safety‑net distributions — remains the primary risk to fund balance for the year.

No formal action was taken on the business report; the board approved the consent agenda and adjourned the meeting later in the evening.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GFSD School Board Meeting 2/12/25","oneSentenceSummary","District business staff told the board Feb. 12 that enrollment peaked in November and has declined since, creating forecasting uncertainty; transportation funding formulas and a limited statewide bucket could change the district’s final revenue by up to $2 million.","taxTitle","Granite Falls School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",46571,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6333780,"Granite Falls Middle School students showcase social‑emotional learning as SIP report notes modest gains",576,1026000,1602000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d&start=1026&end=1602","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d/thumbnail_1026000.jpg","/articles/6333780/Washington/Granite-Falls-Middle-School-students-showcase-socialemotional-learning-as-SIP-report-notes-modest-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6333780-f15deb88f085749f04a0be8347752c26/orig.mp4?Expires=1776607980&Signature=YqcAt9Ln7CbvvGc9tq2oLvzk7jEXkCTX6JO0CY6d~We4vrYMg3jc4WVd6uYIh0tTKMPS6R~i5Oe7k7tSHi2fgNkboy7CFhoqEgbiN5DO7M2qxEPfHVXCle7u~Ju3ykAfibX8q5uBZv5tlIqcqf2YRHdOHy8t0yqyW3AGXeqIx-rh9j8dmb2RjaquTjHrDoVOTPiub9k7LAvaUsR0R8X2EYCRwzEphLtMLHvuWbyxX~jMk1x6kbTWxl5itmzZq-glbT3AkfJGaCssQwJmtThqm3FpF7frbatLtH~qVOdiO7quVvCuSOe47FahXv9m9fx64t9lXGle77GJIo6~nw1~Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students from Granite Falls Middle School demonstrated a social‑emotional learning exercise at the Feb. 12 school board meeting and then reviewed the school improvement plan (SIP) progress for the year.

Teachers Michael Maynard and Candace Ward presented the SIP update and described several student-led activities and outreach events, including orientation, Kindness Week and assemblies aimed at celebrating student success. “These students… are an integral part of our school community,” Maynard said, noting the clubs and activities students run outside regular hours.

Maynard and Ward reported assessment gains taken from state and local measures. The presentation said math performance increased roughly 8 percentage points from 15% to 23% year over year, and English language arts rose from 27% to 33% with a projected target of 43% (figures were described as coming from last year’s state SBAC results and internal projections). Presenters emphasized that the district uses tools such as i‑Ready as an interim measure to prepare students for state testing.

Board members and the superintendent pressed staff on persistent attendance and engagement challenges. In the presentation, staff said improving first‑period attendance and strengthening adult‑student relationships were key strategies; presenters said teachers and outreach to families have been prioritized to address chronic absence. A trustee asked for the presenters’ “two or three” takeaways emphasizing community engagement and “fail fast” pilot approaches to find what works for families.

Teaching-and‑learning staff later noted growth from fall to winter in reading — described as a 12% increase in students at or above grade level in early reading — and highlighted targeted supports including math intervention, a dedicated middle‑school reading interventionist, EL teachers and a planned summer credit‑retrieval program for high school students.

The presentation concluded with an invitation to the community to attend upcoming student assemblies and athletics events. No formal board action was required on the SIP presentation; board members thanked students and staff for the report.","Students presented an SEL activity at the Feb. 12 board meeting; staff presented the middle school’s SIP progress, citing increases in math and ELA performance and renewed focus on attendance and student‑adult relationships.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6333785,"Board approves several first readings and procedural items; adopts animal policy",335,3159000,3494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d&start=3159&end=3494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d/thumbnail_3159000.jpg","/articles/6333785/Washington/Board-approves-several-first-readings-and-procedural-items-adopts-animal-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6333785-5b58418e266bd25d26c69b00ec7c2c89/orig.mp4?Expires=1776607980&Signature=OZbKbyFO7dX96MpSIenMq-ElUAf4E8rZ2e5uooplwEPtUSCG50rhuJKfJrjGAj4W44tw1l8u4CfTYTLNe9X5qvlwsQZ-RGawaEsqDYPVHmuiNReflgSPYCvkNkUtM0hdGERftbLun6iczHygLXiyfkob5yvHunJ2fPoDvXA~YC0PR3uSilCPZuaVPrm0mM9jFQdKfUbTi53o4Pl05Bl0ZTuOtYr7LBeerpyRazbHW4ZAT6zMzipkqK5ozQEQV8jmhE4S0NPLeVurvTlrCDCGaFF1XINWyvdMY~X3wkJBVNx767WKoDR-NQZ-yjUtHjv0tlcj6bOGwUjoUuzvRYiCsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Granite Falls School District Board of Directors approved a slate of procedural and policy items during its Feb. 12 meeting, including the first readings of several policy amendments and the adoption of a policy governing animals as part of the instructional program.

Key votes taken (voice votes unless otherwise noted):

- Excused absences: The board approved a motion to excuse Director Kinkade and Director Dane from the meeting; motion made and seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Remove item from agenda: Directors approved a motion to remove agenda item 5D (first reading of Policy 5400, personal leaves) from new business.

- Policy 2029 (Animals as part of the instructional program): The board approved the first reading and adoption of Policy 2029, which governs how and when animals are used on school grounds during the school day.

- Policy amendments (first readings): The board approved first readings to amend Policy 3205P (harassment of students), Policy 3211P (gender‑inclusive schools), and Policy 5011/5011P (harassment of district staff). These changes were presented to the board as recommended updates from the district’s legal counsel and the Washington Association of School Directors (WASDA) in response to federal-level directives.

- Policy retirements: The board voted to retire a set of older policies (items listed during the meeting). The motions were made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

All the above motions were approved by voice vote with board members responding “Aye.” The meeting record shows no roll-call tallies; minutes indicate consensus or majority approval for each motion. Board members clarified that some of the policy changes reflect legal guidance from state and federal authorities and that retirements return the district to updated policy language.

The board’s action to adopt Policy 2029 filled a longstanding need for written guidance on animal interactions during school hours; a district staff member noted the policy “guides how and when and where we interact with animals on school grounds, especially during the school day.” Several trustees also emphasized that the policy changes related to harassment and gender inclusion come from legal recommendations and required review.

Because these were first‑reading approvals or retirements and not final adoptions of all policy amendments, staff will continue to bring updated text to the board as required by district policy and state law.","At its Feb. 12 meeting the Granite Falls School District board approved multiple first readings to amend district policies, retired several policies, removed one item from new business and adopted a policy on animals in the instructional program by voice vote.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6333789,"Granite Falls board approves $23,950 contract for district demographer",420,5669000,6089000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d&start=5669&end=6089","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2301532-cf61d04f4ef4f6dbfef69e54d2c6ff7d/thumbnail_5669000.jpg","/articles/6333789/Washington/Granite-Falls-board-approves-23950-contract-for-district-demographer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6333789-89255d42a20b257c572a7377a0e58191/orig.mp4?Expires=1776607980&Signature=iA~ytkzn-Ba~lc-ADJ2rkPIwu3SnB-HRuBMV6thQP89riJhnYe~rNiI3UIKuusULnlnRg83PuvVRbnn9ZG6p5L2Kqwt0-JsG~0CQtgDghQkq9CDKlXwHufIVWp38zy2scgo8zrW072Q9NVXRAna9UJ8By-7m9bySc3ZtzfNdr1FmIUKZRgnv4FvbnrvUPrCUzTRyn30SQ99vrvtl11nDMwP7vowj5h61E5KHKravi2KkucBoy~kBJbdveRJyiDcQ08Gh~MT14S9XQ1HgsyR0zo8sC1abc5Hed3f5HwKuGucxJTErR6DWrq8T9DZURCapuqajQMDZ1BoqxFhfjqP4EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Granite Falls School District Board of Directors voted Feb. 12 to contract with MGT to provide demography and enrollment-forecasting services for $23,950. The scope includes maps, charts and grade-level enrollment projections, transfer analysis and scenario planning that the district said it will use for potential boundary changes and enrollment planning.

Board members approved the contract during the business meeting after a presentation from Marshall Cruz, who summarized the deliverables and answered questions about presentation format and timing. “This proposal includes the deliverables of maps, charts, and tables of all relevant data and your students population forecast by grade level for each planning area,” Cruz said during the presentation. Board members asked for two presentation formats and longer study-session time to review scenarios.

Marshall Cruz said the contract price is $23,950 and confirmed the vendor would provide one forecast report and one scenario as part of the base scope. Directors discussed whether the vendor’s two virtual presentations would be delivered in a regular board meeting or a separate study session; several trustees said they preferred longer study sessions to review the models and assumptions.

A motion to engage MGT for demographer services in the amount of $23,950 was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board indicated the contract work will inform potential boundary adjustments and enrollment planning; staff will schedule presentation(s) so the board has sufficient time to review scenarios before making boundary decisions.

The board approved the contract as part of the regular meeting consent and business items; no public hearing was required for the procurement.

Looking ahead, the district will schedule the demographer’s presentations and use the firm’s maps and projections to guide any proposed boundary or attendance-area changes that could later return to the board for formal action.","The Granite Falls School District board voted Feb. 12 to hire MGT for demographer services at $23,950 to produce enrollment forecasts, maps and boundary scenarios to inform planning.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Granite Falls business report flags enrollment decline, uncertain transportation funding

Granite Falls Middle School students showcase social‑emotional learning as SIP report notes modest gains

Board approves several first readings and procedural items; adopts animal policy

Granite Falls board approves $23,950 contract for district demographer