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Superintendent: Enrollment steady at 563; district flags rising insurance and transportation funding
Summary
Superintendent reported enrollment of 563 students, above budget projections, and warned of steep increases in liability insurance and transportation costs. He identified three legislative priorities for the district: MSOC (materials, supplies and operating costs), special-education funding, and transparency in the STARS transportation model.
The superintendent reported that district enrollment “is sitting at 563 overall, still above where we have budgeted for,” and said school leaders continue monthly classroom visits to monitor instruction and operations.
He told the board the district faces sharply higher operating costs, citing liability insurance that rose from $191,000 in 2022–23 to $370,000 this year. “So something's gotta change,” he said, and listed three legislative priorities the district will press this session: increased MSOC support, additional funding to cover legally required special-education services, and clearer forecasting of the STARS transportation model so districts can plan for bus and route funding.
On transportation staffing he recognized Jenny Janssen for her work filling routes and said substitute drivers Sharon Kino and Eric Smith have been critical to maintaining service; he said the district expects a full complement of drivers when Bruce, a newly hired driver, becomes available in early December. The superintendent also reported that McKinstry has completed an initial walk-through under an energy-related grant and that the district will review McKinstry's recommendations when they are available.
The superintendent closed by flagging a persistent maintenance issue: a leak through a cinder-block wall in the high school gym. He said Icon Roofing has repeatedly patched problem areas under warranty but staff have captured video showing water coming through a block; the district is exploring additional sealing and repair options and will report back when it has a contractor recommendation.
