[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6179146,"mediaKeyId","5133489-e7f9a3208ce11a1a540d0dd5787c5571","parentId",5133489,"title","Board advances revision to Gifts policy 6114, raising capital asset threshold from $5,000 to $10,000","audioSeconds",366,"startMs",3397000,"endMs",3763000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133489-e7f9a3208ce11a1a540d0dd5787c5571&start=3397&end=3763","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133489-e7f9a3208ce11a1a540d0dd5787c5571/thumbnail_3397000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6179146/Washington/Board-advances-revision-to-Gifts-policy-6114-raising-capital-asset-threshold-from-5000-to-10000","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179146-32416f700e4d04bae16b4146d55be4c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771044227&Signature=efC5h9W5USb4~mvP0Spvh5poR9Yd6R3kNvy41HFiK63XubMT07PhOyOSZmyzPZw1XPUyp5B4UacYE5TQ6G5NhM9wAmsV4zpuS-b68EJ9HvUEiXKP5~svmjPqHcjW0StWPC7f5vsrYfwd~HJvKjiX6qs8RfZ7-wdftOsWO0so-TwqSVp3u0n2tsu3FySVHUEUWrt-ksCFHTRa9WBeBduvGE4GMlXHt27VJDaoEHupppMnFxCPTJCOSTKDMKwSOH-uRkXH7qnZ53jPEayyLEFTlJKQRmVyB6bGwDfIw5cPZmDbFtSs7zSOEM3XccIe2ZBI-Vb76gL129x1zemp032kuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Everett School District, Washington","date","2025-07-02T15:08:19Z","article","The Everett Public Schools board received a first reading on proposed revisions to policy 6114 (Gifts) at its July 1 meeting that would raise the district’s capital asset threshold for board approval from $5,000 to $10,000 and align the policy with district procedure 6801p and federal capital asset limits.

Mister Fleckenstein presented the proposed revision, saying the change \"increases the capital asset threshold from 5,000 to $10,000\" and that the revision \"aligns to our federal capital asset limits and procedure 6801p.\" Fleckenstein said the superintendent and senior staff reviewed the changes prior to the meeting.

Board discussion focused on the administrative effect and public visibility of donations. Director Atkins asked when the $5,000 figure was first adopted and whether principals would still be able to approve smaller gifts; Fleckenstein replied that the policy change raises the threshold for board approval and that principals and program directors would still approve gifts under $5,000 at the school level. Multiple directors said they appreciate seeing donations on the consent agenda but acknowledged administrative value in raising the threshold.

Outcome: The board advanced the proposed revision to a second reading by general consent; directors asked staff to consider ways to acknowledge significant donations administratively (for example, in the superintendent’s report or the district’s Friday report). No roll‑call vote was recorded at the first reading.

Why this matters: Raising the threshold reduces the number of donations requiring board approval and brings the policy into alignment with the district’s financial procedure, which staff said reflects recent federal guidance on capital asset limits. The change would mean school‑level gifts between $5,000 and $10,000 would no longer routinely appear on the board consent agenda but would be handled administratively and reported via routine communication channels, the presenter said.

Next steps: The revision will return for a second reading and potential adoption in August.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Everett Public Schools Regular Board Meeting 2025.07.01","oneSentenceSummary","At its July 1 meeting the Everett Public Schools board heard a first reading on proposed revisions to policy 6114 (Gifts), which would raise the district capital asset threshold triggering board approval from $5,000 to $10,000; the revision was advanced to a second reading by general consent.","taxTitle","Everett School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",14637,"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},6179150,"Everett Public Schools presents FY2025‑26 operating budget first reading; board schedules August adoption hearing",1663,1718000,3381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133489-e7f9a3208ce11a1a540d0dd5787c5571&start=1718&end=3381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133489-e7f9a3208ce11a1a540d0dd5787c5571/thumbnail_1718000.jpg","/articles/6179150/Washington/Everett-Public-Schools-presents-FY202526-operating-budget-first-reading-board-schedules-August-adoption-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179150-f213da9eedefefb928e516ba4e95b2ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771044227&Signature=FfUzzVhjdGGbJegiHzAO5RMcsUrWEeNBXUiZBgeNlQiKyiFacmYX2VUTAUYekpyGW9wwe7IoveR4ad5Zcn-DbSuZItBK7dkEwehMJWSZMMxhLXLAmhc9FSWfF035PDcbvsEowr0H1VFTRWvao3AIirzUh7kddVFIa-ZU7x6Mkgb26vXhQwWOzz~-0UfOTY7oFM0dKh815UpDecsRNOqq5n5EQOqOy2N~-R3hQwr~vleBVBbFqhblRp6x3uEHQvCRC~9X6PffKV78sx6WG2nPNOfzgyaliWeR1dwWW3-U1ynk93dZ3k53OtmPBlAwUUq8KdDeEsXz4nQKIskTNxFMUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Robert Saltzman presented the Everett Public Schools operating budget for fiscal year 2025‑26 at the board’s July 1 meeting and the board approved moving the item to a second reading and public hearing in August by general consent.

Saltzman told the board the district serves \"more than 20,000 students every day\" and reviewed the budget development timeline, enrollment assumptions, key focuses for next year and a four‑year forecast. He said the district used a medium enrollment projection from an outside consultant and that enrollment changes drive staffing and funding. The presentation noted a budget‑to‑budget headcount increase of 166 students, with a projected next‑year increase of about 91 students compared with this year’s budget.

Why this matters: The budget presentation projected a small spend‑down of the general fund in 2025‑26 but forecast stabilization in later years because the district will be able to collect full levy capacity for the 2026 calendar year. Saltzman said that change produces an increase in local tax revenue of about $4.3 million compared with prior projections and, combined with state legislative funding outcomes, reduces the need for further staffing reductions previously required when the district trimmed roughly $22–$23 million two years ago. The board is required to make the proposed budget available to the public by July 10 and to hold a hearing and adopt the budget by late August; Saltzman said the district will submit materials to Educational Service District 189 for posting and review.

Key figures and programs highlighted:
- Minimum fund‑balance policy: board policy sets a minimum fund balance of 5 percent, Saltzman said.
- Enrollment: medium projection used; budget to budget headcount increase of 166 students and an anticipated 91‑student increase over current budget.
- Levy capacity: ability to collect full 2026 levy capacity estimated to add about $4.3 million in local taxes versus the December projection.
- Capital projects: Jackson Elementary work continuing; Madison Elementary replacement and Everett High School auditorium modernization planned; mechanical and electrical upgrades at multiple schools.
- Transportation: district expects to purchase three electric buses in 2025‑26 partially funded by a state grant.
- Debt: outstanding bonds were described as \"approximately, just less than $70,000,000\" now and projected at just under $67,000,000 for 2025‑26.
- Associated Student Body (ASB) funds: high schools are budgeting to maintain a combined balance just under $900,000.

Expenditure assumptions included a 2.5 percent implicit price deflator (IPD) for cost‑of‑living adjustments, higher special‑education staffing and material and service cost increases tied to utilities and insurance. Saltzman said federal funding was assumed to be flat but noted uncertainty about titles 2, 3 and 4; the district estimated approximately $2 million in those federal awards could be at risk and will adjust if final awards differ. The superintendent stressed the district will continue to monitor awards and can make adjustments after adoption if necessary.

What the board did: After presentation and questions from directors — including follow‑ups about career and technical education (CTE) accounting and the district's reengagement/running‑start reporting — the board had \"no objection\" and adopted the first reading by general consent; the budget will be posted for public review and brought back for a public hearing and second reading on Aug. 19 with adoption to follow per the published schedule.

Next steps: The district will publish the proposed budget, hold a public hearing and seek formal adoption later in August; staff cautioned some state and federal awards may not be finalized until later in the fiscal year.","Superintendent Dr. Robert Saltzman presented a first reading of Everett Public Schools’ fiscal year 2025‑26 operating budget on July 1, citing modest enrollment growth, new levy capacity and a projected slight drawdown of fund balance; board set public hearing and second reading for August.",{"_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},6179154,"Parents and residents press Everett Public Schools board over Lifewise program, board says it will review",690,783000,1473000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133489-e7f9a3208ce11a1a540d0dd5787c5571&start=783&end=1473","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133489-e7f9a3208ce11a1a540d0dd5787c5571/thumbnail_783000.jpg","/articles/6179154/Washington/Parents-and-residents-press-Everett-Public-Schools-board-over-Lifewise-program-board-says-it-will-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179154-37d9cdf432f1470d37c3535a9702cc04/orig.mp4?Expires=1771044228&Signature=bvhPD2~9bHM4VdunJaefat9XTmyHYc8VRAXXKy9W48Owzol0QjBG-N3Bcv71~dAt8iFBsyu~yD-7pALL3q~Ob2CEwyt8iq1YdGVzGR9GA0gdVhITPe5VIlcN32NvsbOTUZyzimccr0ZbrpVwjoVnn2bH2u0FClukgwNfk9AJad9k0YVGeAsoJIROHRSU9zCIDPylVmmSq1VwVtPxkib1BX4WJv-5uU7~Tcg0vbNst6oaxNLYL8wALiF5tPCrcmTI-MP60WypeT2XEHMDnxce6uZJfeaFrtNubMOtvOjQhmKq8CqpaqfBq04D4am5NnOwDKiHLM6Z2KhJvo2y1ULISQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Five residents and several board members used the Everett Public Schools board meeting on July 1 to raise concerns about Lifewise, a program operating at Emerson Elementary that critics say blends religious teaching with student activities.

During public comment, resident Terry Ambergi said Lifewise \"will gradually teach them that they do not follow their Lifewise interpretation of the biblical teachings and that those people will go to hell forever,\" adding that the program’s \"acceptance is conditional\" and that the district could face legal action for endorsing a religious program. Resident Tim Feuerteg said the absence of a districtwide policy for third‑party programs had \"allowed a specific program to occur at Emerson Elementary\" and urged the board to show evidence of collaboration with concerned families and community groups. Jennifer Phillips McClellan and Kate Mallahan described fears that the program could single out or bully children who are Jewish or LGBTQ.

Board members and district leaders told speakers they heard the concerns. Superintendent Dr. Robert Saltzman told the board and public the district is \"looking into this effort\" and said the board welcomes comments. In board comments earlier in the meeting, Director Atkins said Lifewise and \"its mission to bring white supremacy and Christian nationalism to our schools cannot be allowed to have access to our kids,\" and urged fellow board members not to be \"complicit\" by standing idly by.

Why this matters: Speakers framed the issue around separation of church and state, student safety, and equity. The district’s public comment rules — read aloud at the meeting — limit the period to 15 minutes total, with five speakers allotted three minutes each; board members do not respond to individual comments during that period. The board did not take any formal action on Lifewise at the July 1 meeting; the district said it will continue to review input.

What was said and what happened: The board’s public comment segment began with a procedural preamble by Board President Mitchell explaining time limits and the purpose of the forum. Ambergi, Feuerteg, Lawrence Balon, Jennifer Phillips McClellan and Kate Mallahan each addressed the board. Their remarks ranged from concerns about recess and lunchtime supervision to direct allegations that Lifewise promotes a single religious viewpoint and may imperil LGBTQ students. Director Atkins, in board comments before public comment, made a prepared statement opposing Lifewise on broader civic grounds and said his experience at a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school informed his opposition.

No policy change or motion was introduced at the meeting. The board’s stated next steps were to continue to gather public input and \"look into\" the concerns raised; no staff assignment, timeline, or formal investigation was announced during the meeting.

Community context: Commenters named Emerson Elementary as the site where the program has been used. Speakers invoked broader civil‑liberties concepts — including separation of church and state — and asked for district‑level policy clarifications for third‑party programming. The board’s public comment protocol and its statement that it will review input were the only concrete process steps mentioned.

For now: Parents and other residents who spoke asked the district to clarify what oversight exists for outside providers working in schools, and to report back with evidence of collaboration with families and stakeholders. The board did not vote or direct staff to a specific course of action on Lifewise during the July 1 meeting.","Five residents spoke during public comment July 1 urging the Everett Public Schools board to investigate Lifewise programming at Emerson Elementary, citing concerns about religious instruction, bullying and equity; the board said it is \"looking into this effort\" and reminded speakers that public comment is for the board to listen.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board advances revision to Gifts policy 6114, raising capital asset threshold from $5,000 to $10,000

Everett Public Schools presents FY2025‑26 operating budget first reading; board schedules August adoption hearing

Parents and residents press Everett Public Schools board over Lifewise program, board says it will review