Superintendent reports enrollment steady, seeks grants and warns of possible federal cuts

Superintendent Gallagher reported an enrollment figure of 1,138 students for January and summarized progress on board goals tied to facilities, student achievement and staff compensation. Gallagher said the district submitted a $2,500,000 seismic grant application for the high‑school gym and a $1,000,000 capital improvement grant application to advance projects discussed during the failed bond effort; he emphasized these grants are competitive with no guarantee of award but that the district has pursued them.

Gallagher also highlighted compensation benchmarks and benefits that the district uses to retain staff, including insurance contributions and signing bonuses; he told the board that, in the local area, some teacher salary steps are among the highest on the South Coast. On federal funding, Gallagher said the district receives roughly $2,000,000 annually in federal dollars (Title programs, IDEA, E‑Rate and community eligibility for meals) and cited a lobbyist's warning that federal support could decline by about 25% next year, which would present a major budget challenge if it materializes.

On transportation timing, Gallagher outlined a proposed shift to later secondary start times to improve student safety and align with research: high schools would start around 08:50 with adjusted bus drop‑off windows, and the district continues to evaluate schedule impacts. Gallagher said grant award notifications are expected around May 15 for some competitive funding.