Board approves emergency declaration for Shelton High water damage; budget concerns and Cedar High staffing losses highlighted

The Shelton School District Board of Directors on Monday approved a resolution declaring an emergency repair for water damage at Shelton High School and heard reports that underscore continued budget pressure and uneven program impacts across schools.

Emergency repairs: The board passed Resolution No. 25.06 authorizing expedited remediation after district staff reported substantial water damage at Shelton High School. District staff told the board the damage was discovered after the weekend of March 31 and began on the third story; water flowed downward and closed multiple classrooms and office spaces. The district estimated the damage at roughly $500,000 and said insurance will cover a large portion after the deductible. The insurance provider is supplying water sensors for district buildings to detect future leaks, staff said.

Board action: A motion to adopt Resolution No. 25.06 was moved and seconded and the board voted in favor; the meeting record shows the board approved the resolution during the session. Meeting comments noted the resolution relies on RCW authority that allows the board to declare an emergency for prompt repairs.

Budget status and legislative outlook: Chief finance staff reported the district’s general fund remained negative for the month shown but is forecast to turn positive in April after a larger apportionment payment and property tax collections. Staff also warned that unexpected costs such as the Shelton High water damage affect the year-end forecast. A legislative update presented to the board summarized competing House and Senate proposals for increased special-education and MSOC (materials, supplies and operating costs) funding: the Senate proposal cited roughly $2.2 billion for special education over four years and about $400 million for MSOC; the House proposal cited about $200 million for special education and $0 for MSOC in that comparison. Presenters urged outreach to state legislators to address the shortfall and reduce levy reliance.

Student perspective and program impacts: Cedar High School’s student representative, Alan Ramirez, told the board Cedar has been disproportionately affected by district budget cuts. Ramirez said Cedar had lost its single paraeducator (support staff) and faces the potential loss of its principal, calling those cuts a major strain on the school’s collaborative model and student supports. Ramirez also highlighted student environmental work, upcoming events and fundraising activities as the school seeks to maintain programs amid staffing changes.

Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 25.06 — motion to declare an emergency for water damage remediation at Shelton High School; motion moved and seconded; board voted to approve (vote recorded as "Aye"; individual vote tallies not specified in the transcript). Consent agenda — motion to approve the consent agenda was moved and seconded earlier in the meeting and the board approved it (vote recorded as "Aye"; individual vote tallies not specified).

Ending: District staff said insurance will cover a portion of the Shelton High repairs after the deductible and that sensors are being installed to reduce future risk. Board members and presenters emphasized the need to monitor the budget and urged public outreach to state lawmakers about special-education and MSOC funding.