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Nooksack Valley officials warn Mountain School and student field trips may be cut as grants end
Summary
Superintendent Matt Galley told the May 15 board meeting that grant funding for Mountain School and some field trips may be ending, forcing the district to prioritize limited funds and possibly reduce out-of-classroom learning opportunities for students.
Superintendent Matt Galley told the Nooksack Valley School Board on May 15 that grant funding for Mountain School and several student field trips may be ending, putting those programs in jeopardy and requiring the district to prioritize limited resources.
At the regular meeting, directors noted a range of upcoming community events and extracurricular opportunities, and Galley said the district cannot assume continued grant support for Mountain School or other externally funded field experiences. He said the district will need to review budget priorities and may have to reduce or limit trips if funding is not replaced.
Board members and administrators spoke about the value of experiential learning. Chairman Ty Elmendorf referred to a parent information session at Sumas Elementary and thanked staff and families for supporting off-site learning. Several board members and the high school principal, Collin Buckley, emphasized student ownership of processes and the role field experiences play in belonging and engagement.
The discussion noted no formal cuts or dates for program changes at the meeting; Superintendent Galley committed to researching policy and funding options and to returning with recommendations to the board. The board did not take action to change program status at the May 15 meeting.
