Superintendent: $48,000 planning grant moves Liberty toward $6 million modernization amid TK funding uncertainty

The district superintendent reported that Liberty School District was awarded a $48,000 planning grant as the first step toward a potential $6,000,000 modernization grant for the school building. "We were awarded the planning grant, which is, like, I think that first step of that modernization grant that we put in for 6,000,000 to modernize this building," the superintendent said, noting the planning funds will be used to scope priorities such as the roof, kitchen remodel and carpeting.

The superintendent also briefed the board on pending legislative changes that could affect program funding. He said the state extended bus depreciation schedules from 13 to 15 years — a change that may increase repair and lifetime costs for districts with long rural routes — and described a proposed TK funding change that could limit eligibility to children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. "If that is the case, that puts it in…that really narrows down the number of kids that would qualify for the funding," the superintendent said, warning the district could lose an "enormous amount" of TK funding if the eligibility language holds.

Why it matters: the planning grant puts the district on a prioritized list for large capital funds but does not guarantee the full $6 million. Separately, narrowing TK eligibility would reduce state reimbursements and could force the district to use levy funds or restructure classes to maintain programming.

The superintendent told the board he would provide updated enrollment numbers and further details as OSPI clarifies the legislative language in the coming weeks. "I'll give those numbers to you guys, and then we can make some decisions on it," he said.

Next steps: staff will continue planning work with the $48,000 award, seek cost estimates for priority items, and report back to the board once state guidance on TK slot eligibility is finalized.