Residents press board on levy, math outcomes and SEL during public comment

Four community members addressed the South Kitsap School District Board of Directors during the meeting's public-comment period on Jan. 15, focusing mainly on the district's upcoming levy, student academic performance and the use of social-emotional learning (SEL) in classrooms.

David Cruz, a community speaker, said district staffing has increased while math proficiency has declined and asked for a clearer plan for how levy dollars would translate into improved academic outcomes. "Without a clear detailed plan on how increased funding will lead to better academic outcomes ... it's challenging to justify any more money," Cruz said, citing district enrollment and staffing figures and downward trends in math proficiency.

Judy Arbogast, who identified herself as a longtime Olalla resident, argued for passage of the levy and described staffing shortfalls she believes state funding does not cover. "The state funds 1.2 of those nurses," Arbogast said, adding that the district has 11 nurses for 18 schools and that the levy covers roughly 16% of the district budget.

Holly Cruz criticized how some levy-related decisions are presented and raised concerns about SEL. She cited past remarks by district figures and outside groups and said she would "be respectfully voting no in favor of the taxpayers" unless she could see specific transparency on what levy funding would pay for and what would be cut if the levy failed.

John Richardson, a supporter of the district's professional learning communities (PLCs), thanked the board for backing PLC work and urged continued support for the programs that, he said, helped drive strong historical test scores. "I'm a true believer in the PLCs," Richardson said, describing district training sessions that aim to align instruction and provide interventions.

Why it matters: The district is asking voters to approve a levy that district staff said will fund about 16% of the budget. Public commenters pressed the board for clearer links between levy revenues and measurable academic improvements (particularly in math), for transparency about potential cuts if the levy fails and for clarity about how SEL is being implemented in classrooms.

What the board and staff said: The board did not take action on the levy during the meeting. In later agenda items staff reiterated the district's broader budget and enrollment presentations, and the superintendent and finance staff noted the levy ballot will be sent Feb. 11. The board and staff did not provide a single, itemized list at the meeting of services that would be cut if the levy fails.

Context and details: Speakers referenced multiple data points and district programs: - The levy was described in public comment as covering roughly 16% of the district's budget. - Arbogast told the board the district has 11 nurses for 18 schools; she said state funding covers about 1.2 nurse positions. - Public comment included differing perspectives: some speakers urged passage of the levy to maintain services; others said the district must show explicitly how funds will improve academic metrics before seeking more taxpayer dollars.

Outlook: The levy ballot is scheduled for Feb. 11, according to the superintendent's report at the meeting. The board did not vote on levy measures at the Jan. 15 meeting; public comment and district budget presentations will feed into further community outreach ahead of the ballot.

Ending note: Several speakers also praised district programs and staff even as they disagreed about funding and priorities, underscoring mixed public sentiment ahead of the levy vote.