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Superintendent briefs board on upcoming accountability bill, cell‑phone policy and budget outlook
Summary
Superintendent Brian reviewed likely state accountability metrics, flagged opt‑out data issues with the State Board, noted a pending cell‑phone bill that could require local policy changes, and outlined budget risks including a March state school fund adjustment and a timber revenue offset.
Superintendent Brian told the Banks SD 13 board April 14 that the legislature is likely to pass an accountability bill that would require districts to meet specific metrics and could impose consequences for missed targets.
He described measures that staff expect to see in the bill: third‑grade reading measured by the SBAC/OSAS, eighth‑grade math, early‑grade attendance (k–3), ninth‑grade on‑track credit measures (six credits by the end of freshman year), and the usual 4‑year graduation rate (and possibly a 5‑year completer rate). "What I mean by accountability is metrics that districts are required to meet," he said, and cautioned that the State Board of Education has not reconciled how opt‑outs are recorded, which could distort accountability results unless the matter is addressed.
Brian also briefed the board on a proposed "bell‑to‑bell" cell‑phone bill under consideration at the legislature that could require districts to develop policies restricting student phone use during school hours; he said such a change would demand careful planning for supervision and impacts on lunch and passing periods.
On finances, district staff reported a March state school fund payment reduction tied to timber calculations that reduces revenue by about $140,000 for the remainder of the year; the speaker said timber revenue should partly offset that shortfall. A business official reported an estimated ending fund balance of "about 1.3" (the speaker did not specify units in the record). The superintendent and staff urged boards to track May 14 for the next economic (June) forecast that will inform legislature revenue projections.
What the board will do next: Staff recommended engaging the community on assessment literacy, monitoring draft legislation and preparing policy options if the cell‑phone bill or accountability measures materialize. The board was asked to expect further budget details as staff reconcile timber revenue and state forecasts.
