Klamath County SD board accepts $15 million Student Investment Account grant to expand counselors and supports

The Klamath County School District board voted to accept a Student Investment Account (SIA) grant of just over $15,000,000 for the 2025–27 biennium, district staff said at the November meeting.

Jeff (staff) told the board the SIA award is intended to "meet students' mental and behavioral health needs, increase academic achievement, and reduce academic disparities between targeted student groups." He said the grant totals just over $15,000,000 for two years and that roughly 85% of the award is allocated to personnel costs.

Staff outlined hired positions funded by the grant over the two‑year period: 18 licensed counselors or child‑development specialists, 24 teachers, seven classified staff and four administrators; the remaining funds will cover professional development and student supplies. The staff presentation noted the SIA funds are state cap‑tax revenue administered through the Oregon Department of Education and that the spring allocation was reduced by about 3% this fall.

Board members asked about flexibility for personnel assignments during the school year; staff said once positions are approved they generally hold steady but the business office can reassign roles if expenditures align with allowable grant categories. A motion to accept the SIA grant agreement was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The district plans to implement new positions and program elements tied to the integrated guidance plan; no changes to individual employee disciplinary records were discussed publicly, and staff reiterated confidentiality limits for personnel matters.