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Thurston County superintendents warn of persistent school budget shortfalls, press state for MSOC and special‑education funding
Summary
Eight district superintendents reported on enrollment, construction projects, program expansions and severe budget pressures at a March 19 Thurston County work session; recurring themes were rising MSOC costs, special‑education shortfalls and levy uncertainty.
Eight Thurston County school district superintendents briefed the county Board of County Commissioners on March 19 about facility projects, enrollment trends and ongoing budget shortfalls that are shaping district operations and services.
Superintendents told the board that funding gaps are driving program reductions, staff cuts and strategic planning across the county. Common themes included rising material, supplies and operating costs (MSOC), persistent underfunding for special education, transportation funding needs, and mixed results at the ballot box for local levies and bonds.
Highlights and district details presented to the board:
- North Thurston Public Schools (Superintendent Troy Oliver): Enrollment stabilized at about 14,500 after a pandemic decline. Districtsupported capital work includes a near‑rebuild of River Ridge High School, classroom additions at Camas (Camacho) Middle School, and a new family early‑learning center planned with local partners; the district relies on roughly $8 million annually in levy revenue to pay for services not fully…
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