Superintendent reports legislative activity, audits and flat fourth-grade growth

At the Jan. 29 meeting Superintendent Ingrid Colvard reported the state legislative session is underway and the district is monitoring bills selectively to defend resources and avoid unfunded mandates. Colvard said the district "is mostly trying to defend against losing any resources and stopping unfunded mandates" and described the session as moving quickly; Mark Chambers and Jeff Wickersham have been tracking hearings remotely.

Colvard also reported audits are in process — the state audit nearing completion and federal programs evidence submitted — and outlined budget planning that will use February enrollment numbers. She flagged academic concern: fourth-grade growth has remained flat since fall, prompting work with ESD partners and in-school WIN interventions; additionally, theatre has been restored to the secondary schedule after recent staffing changes.