Othello School Board outlines multi-year levy and bond strategy, forms 'Future Ready Schools' advisory effort

The Othello School District Board of Directors on Monday discussed a coordinated multi-year approach to school funding that pairs an immediate operating levy with potential capital-levy and bond planning and invited community members to join a new advisory group called the Future Ready Schools team.

Dr. Meek, a district staff member leading the levy work, said the district intends to treat the levy, a potential capital levy and a future bond as “connected” pieces rather than separate campaigns. “The idea would be, to establish this Future Ready Schools, a team of people that are composed of stakeholders, that have some diverse perspectives across the community,” Dr. Meek said. The district plans to include parents, community members, school staff and board representatives on the team.

Board members were told the levy is the most immediate step because “people know in our community what it funds,” and that the advisory team should help align messaging and project planning. The district…