Hermiston School Board approves two-year integrated plan tying multiple grants into district budget

The Hermiston School District Board of Directors on April 14 approved the district's two-year integrated plan that combines state and federal grant funding into a single planning and budgeting framework.

Dr. Mooney, the district's presenter on the item, told the board the integrated plan aligns the Student Investment Account, the high school success grant (formerly Measure 98), the early intervention and early literacy grants, Perkins federal CTE funding and the district's CSITSI allocation into one narrative, outcomes list and biennial budget.

The plan document in the board book included a 15'page narrative plus a budget workbook. Dr. Mooney said some pots of money are currently based on the governor's recommended budget and the district's current service level; dollar amounts could change if state allocations shift. She noted the district has six schools identified by the Oregon Department of Education for targeted intervention this year (Hermiston High School, Armand Larvie, Sandstone, Rocky Heights, Sunset and West Park) and that the targeted funds for secondary levels total about $240,000.

Dr. Mooney described other funding amounts included in the plan: the early intervention grant (which covered the district's purchase of I-Ready) is about $15,000 and Perkins funding for career and technical education is roughly $65,000. She said Perkins supports CTE programs of study and that program staff and coordinators will determine specific spending plans year-to-year.

Board members asked for and received clarification that the integrated plan's outcomes are intentionally broad to allow administrative flexibility if funding totals change, and that the district worked with the regional education service district (IMESD) and the Oregon Department of Education on long-term performance growth goals and target-setting. Dr. Mooney said the ESD assisted with drafting the narrative and will remain a partner during approval and implementation.

When the board was asked for action later on the agenda, a director moved to approve the integrated plan as presented; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The board and administration said they will update specific activities if actual grant amounts differ from the governor's recommended figures and will include the approved plan in next year's budget preparation.

Ending: The board's vote puts the integrated plan into the district budget process for the coming biennium; staff said adjustments will be made if state allocations change and detailed performance targets will follow through the state-required growth-goal process.