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Oak Harbor superintendent outlines strategic plan, new schools and budget pressures
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Summary
Superintendent Michelle Kasabula told the April 21 council meeting that Oak Harbor Public Schools is pursuing a student‑centered strategic plan, opening two grant‑funded schools this fall, and aiming to raise a 'trusted adult' metric from 80% toward 95% amid enrollment declines and budget cuts.
Michelle Kasabula, superintendent of Oak Harbor Public Schools, presented the district's "state of the schools" to the city council on April 21, highlighting strategic planning, facility projects and fiscal challenges.
Kasabula said the district's strategic plan centers student voice and community partnership under a "1 Oak Harbor" approach. "Our business is students and the success of our students creates our business model," she said, noting the plan guides decisions about curriculum and services.
On student supports, Kasabula cited district survey data: "80% of our students say that they have a trusted adult in the system," and she set a goal of increasing that percentage toward 95% by June 2027. She said the district uses WA Kids/TS Gold and interim I-Ready assessments to identify readiness and make in‑year instructional adjustments rather than relying solely on annual Smarter Balanced results.
Kasabula described high-school pathways and career-technical education, saying Oak Harbor High School now offers multiple routes to graduation including CTE programs, Running Start and online options to better meet student needs. She reported a 96% graduation rate districtwide and explained that some students remain in district programs until age 22 under state rules, which affects reporting.
On facilities, Kasabula announced two new schools funded primarily by grants; she said about 80% of the project funding comes from federal grants with a Department of Defense compatibility grant covering roughly the remaining share. She said the grand openings are planned for October and that the district will invite the public after students are settled. Kasabula also noted recent noise mitigation grants and HVAC upgrades across multiple schools.
Kasabula acknowledged fiscal pressure: declining enrollment and rising costs have forced multiple years of budget reductions. She said the district has made cuts totaling several million dollars in recent years and urged continued community support and conversations with state leaders about school funding. She thanked a volunteer group, Citizens for Better Schools, for outreach that helped pass a materials-and-operations levy by 62%.
Councilmembers praised the district's programs and asked questions about Home Connection and student outcomes; Kasabula said students across delivery models are achieving comparable results. She closed by inviting residents to volunteer and to attend community events connected to Oak Harbor Public Schools.
The council did not take action on school funding at the April 21 meeting; Kasabula's remarks were presented as an informational update and the district will pursue required planning and capital steps separately.
