Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
Board members heard a legislative briefing that described statewide funding cuts and per-pupil reductions that the district estimates could amount to about $450,000 less in revenue; members discussed impacts to TK, bus depreciation and other programs and urged advocacy.
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
Superintendent Dr. Perez announced Amy Palmore was selected to lead the district preschool after internal interviews; the board also reviewed proposed calendar adjustments and a first reading of Policy 1400 on meeting times and approved routine agenda items 3-0.
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
The Othello School District board unanimously approved an amended agenda that tables several items and adds an overnight travel approval for the varsity baseball team to a March tournament in Richfield, Washington. The board also approved required routine items and recessed into a 30-minute executive session to discuss personnel and real estate.
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
The board recognized Liliana, an Othello High School student, as a recipient of Gonzaga University's Unity Scholars scholarship and also honored transportation staff for maintaining service during a driver shortage; staff reported drivers fell from 29 to 24 this year but continued operations.
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
Superintendent Dr. Perez introduced a draft interaction-protocol packet (parliamentary procedures and discussion stems) to help the board govern more effectively and announced the Future Ready team will regularly report to the board as bond planning advances.
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
Director Gerber briefed the board on week 7 of the legislative session, noting a stronger-than-expected revenue forecast but ongoing deficits; the superintendent said OSPI will issue guidance on House and Senate budget proposals with potential TK and LEA funding impacts.
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
Board members discussed changing meeting days and times to improve coordination with the city council and increase staff and parent participation; directors favored a mixed model (one evening and one midday meeting) and directed staff to produce a draft calendar for March review.
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
The district athletic director and coaches highlighted tournament wins, dual records and state rankings for both girls and boys wrestling programs and thanked the board and community for material and volunteer support ahead of district postseason competition.
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
Early childhood staff described expansion of the district preschool from ~75 to just over 200 students, staff growth from 14 to 31, use of WA Kids and WIDA standards, and a district-created assessment showing about 103 preschoolers meeting a 'ready for kindergarten' benchmark in January (~60%).
Washington / School Districts / Othello School District
At public comment, Jake Mendez Jr. alleged that a McFarland Middle School student with autism was mistreated in 2023 — including being underfed and encouraged to be coughed on by a teacher — and called for the superintendent to resign and for voters to oppose the district levy.