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Board reviews budget priorities; equity‑based allocations and BASC expansions highlighted
Summary
District staff outlined budget development priorities, an equity‑based resource framework and proposed expansions to BASC programs and other student supports; board asked for clearer public materials explaining the equity index and next steps.
District staff presented a point‑in‑time update on budget development, outlining four core priorities: advance the strategic plan, align resources to student needs through an equity index, pursue cost efficiency and comply with state and federal requirements.
The presentation described an equity‑based budgeting framework developed with an external consultant and an internal working group. Staff said core staffing allocations remain enrollment‑based and the equity investments are layered on top of those allocations. Examples of current equity investments in 2024–25 include six added positions across four schools (MTSS specialists, behavior/social supports, additional teachers to reduce class size and emergency paraeducator hours) with an estimated current investment of about $1.5 million.
BASC and program changes: Staff described expansion of BASC (before‑and‑after school care) programming, including plans to pilot middle‑school summer programming centralized at Cougar Mountain Middle School and to extend summer preschool offerings. Presenters reported early demand for a two‑week summer Career Kickstart program for rising juniors and seniors and said they had received dozens of applications in a short time.
Spending adjustments: Staff identified a planned reduction in curriculum startup investment year‑over‑year (estimating a 40% reduction for the coming budget year, about $2.5 million) because last year included a large one‑time startup. Staff said they continue to review contracts and redundant software subscriptions for efficiency savings.
Board questions and next steps: Directors asked that staff prepare concise public‑facing materials describing the equity index and what resource types are adjusted under that framework (for example: MTSS specialists, additional teachers, paraeducator hours, counselors). Director Mullings and others asked that teacher and union voices be included in further engagements; staff said union leadership had been included in meet‑and‑confer conversations. Staff said a preliminary budget and annual budget guide will be released in June with a final proposed 2025–26 budget presented for adoption in August.
Ending: Staff noted uncertainty in federal funding (up to about $10 million annually) and continued legislative activity; the board requested clearer, concise explanatory materials for the public about the equity‑based approach before broader community engagement.
