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Board narrows 2021 legislative priorities to a concise 'big three' and asks for student voice
Summary
After a staff presentation, board members asked for a shorter, one‑page set of legislative priorities emphasizing (1) short‑term COVID relief and transportation formula fixes, (2) long‑term special‑education funding, and (3) capital support (50% state share). Staff will return a revised draft for Dec. 8 with student voice included.
The board discussed a staff draft of legislative priorities for the 2021 session and asked for a shorter, more strategic message to present to legislators. Jeff Moore summarized three themes — short‑term COVID relief (including a fix for the transportation ridership formula and requests for hold‑harmless treatment), standing priorities such as special education and counseling supports, and capital investments (a 50% state share target) — then solicited board feedback.
Directors urged brevity and realism Several directors said the current draft was too long and recommended a concise "big three" approach. One director suggested highlighting short‑term, no‑ or low‑cost fixes for the immediate year (for example, a study or rule change to the transportation formula) and saving broader asks for future sessions if state funding is tight. Directors also emphasized using student testimony and short videos to convey the human impact to legislators.
Next steps and procedural direction Staff committed to produce a condensed one‑page priorities document and circulate revised drafts to directors early next week, and to bring an updated proposal to the board on Dec. 8 for approval. The board gave direction but did not take a formal vote on legislative priorities at this meeting.
Why it matters The priorities set the district’s advocacy agenda for the state’s 2021 legislative session and could influence requests on transportation funding, special education support and capital funding formulas that affect the district’s budget trajectory.
