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Vernonia proposes new hybrid alternative program, instructional assistant and phased COLA tied to state funding
Summary
The district's proposed budget includes launching a 9-12 alternative education hybrid program, adding a 3.75-hour instructional assistant at Vernonia Family Academy, and a certified and classified COLA of 6% (noted as part of a 16% total over three years contingent on State School Fund increases).
During the Budget Committee presentation, Superintendent Jim Helmen outlined program and compensation proposals the district included in its proposed 2025-26 budget. He listed "Add 3.75 hour Instructional Assistant at VFA" and said the district plans to "Launch a 9-12 Alternative Education Hybrid Program." Helmen also described a proposed 6 percent COLA for certified and classified staff described in the packet as totaling 16 percent over three years, contingent on increased State School Fund allocations.
Helmen and Business Manager Marie Knight framed these proposals as efforts to sustain and expand Career and Technical Education pathways, academic enrichment and dual-credit opportunities, elementary enrichment programming, credit recovery and alternative education, and small class sizes with behavioral intervention supports. They emphasized the district has not reduced K-12 staff or student programs over the past two years while making fiscal adjustments.
