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Board rejects resolution to restore a fifth day of outdoor school; staff to provide cost analysis
Summary
A proposed board resolution to direct staff to analyze options and costs to restore a fifth day of outdoor school for sixth graders failed 2–5. Board members and staff agreed district staff will produce a cost escalation and feasibility analysis and share findings with board committees and members as information becomes available.
A resolution asking the superintendent to analyze costs and options to preserve a five‑day outdoor school experience for all PPS sixth graders (Resolution 7167) failed at the Sept. 9 meeting by a vote of 2–5.
The resolution sought a district analysis of the funding shortfall created after the state cut lottery‑funded outdoor school support and asked the superintendent to identify savings or alternative funding (including fundraising) that could restore a fifth day. District staff and several board members cautioned that the district faces constrained state revenue forecasts and a tight district budget; several board members and administrators said diverting staff time from other budget‑critical work would be problematic.
What happened: After debate and public comment, the motion to adopt Resolution 7167 failed 2–5. Several board members — mindful that the state cut the program’s lottery funding — said they support outdoor school but doubted the district could find ongoing funds without harming other services.
Staff response and next steps: District staff said an updated cost analysis could be prepared quickly; staff and board members agreed finance staff would produce an updated cost figure and provide materials to the board as soon as possible. Staff estimated that restoring one day for all sixth graders would cost in the range of roughly $665,000 based on prior estimates; the district will refine that figure and circulate it to board members and committees for review.
Public comment: Administrators, union representatives and parents testified. Some school administrators urged caution because building‑level budgets are already strained. Other community speakers urged the board to find ways to preserve the five‑day program because of its widely discussed benefits for student learning, social connection and outdoor education.
Outcome: The resolution did not pass. Staff will prepare and circulate a cost analysis and present findings in committee; board members encouraged parents and community members to contact state legislators about restoring Measure 99 funding.
