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Board warns of potential multi‑million dollar shortfalls, approves donation and staffing reductions
Summary
Superintendent Banner told the board the district faces an 18% insurance increase (~$735,000) and potential state budget 'clawbacks' that could reduce revenue by $2.9 million next year and up to $5 million by 2030. The board approved a $10,000 booster donation, reductions to positions funded by Title II/III/IV, and adopted policies on second reading.
The Clover Park School District Board of Directors on March 9 voted to accept a $10,000 donation, adopt multiple policies on second reading and approve staffing reductions after Superintendent Banner warned of rising insurance costs and possible state funding cuts.
"All districts in Western Washington received a notification from our risk pool of an impending 18% increase in insurance premiums," Superintendent Banner told the board, adding that for Clover Park the increase represents about $735,000 more next year. He also outlined possible reductions in state-provided local effort assistance under competing budget proposals and said the district could face revenue decreases of $2.9 million next year in the Senate scenario, growing to as much as $5.0 million by 2030.
The board approved several items during the meeting. On a motion from Director Kelleher with a second from Director Lowry, the consent agenda (items 26-073 through 26-083) carried. The board accepted Action Item 26-084, a $10,000 donation from the Lakes High School Football Booster Club to the Lakes High School ASB to offset the cost of football uniforms, as recommended by the superintendent and subject to Policy 6114.
By motion and vote the board also passed Resolution 26-085, which reduces staff positions funded through Title II, Title III and Title IV federal programs because of volatility and uncertainty in those funding sources. Superintendent Banner said the affected positions were outlined in documentation presented at the Feb. 23 workshop.
Finally, the board adopted a series of policies on second reading (Action Item 26-086) after hearing that the packets included the updates discussed at the earlier workshop.
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (26-073 through 26-083): approved (motion: Director Kelleher; second: Director Lowry). - Donation acceptance (26-084): approved (moved by Director Caldwell; second: Director Kelleher). - Resolution to reduce budget/programs (26-085): approved (motion: Director Lowry; second: Director Caldwell). - Policy adoption (26-086): approved (moved by Director Caldwell; second: Director Lowry).
Superintendent Banner said the district will "explore cuts to our expenditures beginning with this next budget cycle" and will try to prioritize operational reductions over prototypical school staffing where possible, though he cautioned that cuts to schools cannot be ruled out. The meeting then moved to board reports and an executive session on a legal matter.
