Dear Newport Families,
It’s important that BSD families understand the potential budget decisions the district may be facing in 2010. The Superintendent has asked that the information about the school board’s meeting with legislators and the link to the video of that meeting be communicated to our parents through our normal channels.
Horst Momber | Substitute Principal
Newport High School | 4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006-1999
( 425.456.7405 | * momberh@bsd405.org|
Legislators prepare school board for bad financial news ahead
Six local legislators attended Tuesday’s board meeting to talk about what school districts could expect from the 2010 legislative session. The legislators told the board they are expecting a deficit ranging from $2.2 to $2.5 billion in a one-year period (Friday’s Seattle Times said the total was up to $2.6 billion), which could mean more drastic cuts in state funding than those made last year. When parents in the audience asked what they could do to help, they were told to unite with residents of Seattle and Spokane and “light up the board” in the Governor’s office to request a special legislative session in December to consider House bill 1776, which would protect local school districts’ levy authority. See video of legislators’ comments.
Board approves levies for Feb. 9 ballot
Last night the school board approved two levies for the Feb. 9 ballot.
First is an education program levy, which replaces a levy that expires in 2010 and provides 21% of the district’s operating budget.
Second is a technology/capital projects levy, which will be used to:
· Provide new classroom technology and training in its use;
· Upgrade the former Ringdall Middle School to house middle school students whose schools are being
remodeled;
· Complete large-scale maintenance projects such as roofs, flooring, and mechanical, electrical, water and
sewer systems;
· Improve or replace sports fields; and
· Provide support for common curriculum and assessments.
