Board weighs whether to cosign Truckee letter to Congress on regional federal funding; delegates two members to review draft

Board members on March 5 discussed a Town of Truckee request that local agencies cosign an advocacy letter to Congressman Kevin Kiley about continuing federal funding for the region. Superintendent Kramer said Town Manager Jen Callaway had reached out and that the town is seeking support because a funding freeze could affect local wildfire mitigation, jobs and regional recreation economies.

Trustees expressed differing views on whether the school district should sign a multi‑agency letter focused heavily on forest and economic impacts that are outside the district’s primary education mission. Several trustees said they wanted to see the town’s draft before deciding and suggested the district could instead draft a separate letter focused on student and school impacts. One trustee noted the district could add a brief, education‑specific bullet to a town letter if the town’s text allowed it.

After discussion the board agreed that two board members — President Driller and Trustee Clark Hennessy — would review the town’s draft and consult with Superintendent Kramer and other trustees as needed so the district could respond within the town’s timeline. Kramer said she would ask Manager Callaway for the draft and confirm whether the town’s submission deadline required a special meeting or whether the March 19 regular board meeting timing would suffice.

Ending: The board did not authorize an immediate cosignature; instead it delegated review to two members and asked staff to obtain the town’s draft and timeline so the board can decide with full information.