Board talks school funding
CHENEY – School District Finance Director Jamie Reed recently highlighted developments and challenges, specifically the capacity of current elementary schools.
During a Dec. 13 School Board meeting, Reed said the district experienced a 6.3% growth in second-grade enrollment over the 2022-23 school year. She also pointed out that Washington State has experienced a significant overall enrollment surge of 2,000 students.
During the presentation, Reed shared information about the district’s acquisition of two properties, sparking considerations for potential development.
Regarding a property near Thomas Mallen Road, she said, “This might become a new elementary school.”
Snowden Elementary School is also overflowing, Reed said said, noting it’s at 136% capacity.
The average elementary school in the district is at 113% capacity.
During the 2022-23 academic year, the district’s total revenue was $89,375,000. Federal revenue accounted for $4,306,0000; state revenue accounted for $67,567,000, Reed said. Local revenue accounted for $17,502,000.
The student enrollment district-wide was 5,358.
Reed shed light on the district’s strategic planning for undeveloped land, particularly a larger property on Craig Road.
“It’s not really a high school or a transportation hub site yet,” Reed said, noting the district is also in need of a second transportation hub to accommodate more buses.
A $72 million bond on the Feb. 14 special election ballot will ask voters to support funding for new schools as well as improvements, Reed said.
“It’s very difficult to pass a levy, let alone a bond,” Reed said.
The potential consequences of the EP&O bond not passing were also discussed, with Reed noting the necessity to “push things out towards an August or November election” if voters reject the bond.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
Reader Comments(0)