Board hears bleak outlook from legislative conference; levy outreach and funding model discussed
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Summary
District leaders told the board the new legislative session offers limited new revenue; MSOC funding and protection from unfunded mandates were top priorities, and staff outlined outreach plans for the district levy ahead of ballot timing.
Othello — Directors who attended a recent legislative conference told the school board the coming state session presents a tight revenue outlook and reinforced priorities for the district: higher MSOC funding, restoration of promised exemptions for essential services, and a hold on new unfunded mandates.
Director Aaron Gerber summarized conference takeaways, saying attendees described a ‘‘huge deficit’’ and that the advocacy focus will be on increasing MSOC (materials, supplies and operating costs) funding and opposing unfunded mandates. Dr. Perez added context, noting that a $100‑per‑student MSOC increase would amount to about $430,000 for a district Othello’s size, but presenters cautioned that actual increases are unlikely this session.
The superintendent’s office also described conversation about changing the state funding model toward a weighted student approach that would allocate more money for students with greater needs; speakers said Washington is one of roughly 10 states without a weighted model. Dr. Perez warned early‑learning slots (transitional kinder) could be at risk of cuts and mentioned a reported figure of about a 25% reduction in some early learning areas, which prompted concern about local impacts.
Board members discussed coordinated outreach ahead of the levy ballot: staff proposed sending district representatives to a city council meeting close to ballot timing to explain levy uses, offered to present the same slides to civic groups, and described targeted social media and internal staff briefings to ensure consistent messaging. Board members agreed to try to attend the city council meeting and to coordinate calendars.
Next steps: staff will confirm the city council date and time, prepare talking points that include participation and athletics outcomes tied to levy funds (as described separately in the meeting), and provide a superintendent information item at the next board meeting describing the outreach plan.