November school board financial decisions

La Conner school board members approved a new district civility policy promoting mutual respect and a positive learning environment throughout the district at its Nov. 28 meeting. This builds on an earlier policy addressing student use of telecommunication devices as part of a campaign to curb bullying.

Student school board representative Taylor-Rae Cayou said bullying issues related to uncivil behavior and mental health awareness were topics of discussion at the Washington State School Directors Association conference.

“I’m excited you went (to the state forum) and enjoyed your sessions,” Superintendent Will Nelson responded, “and that you came back with information we can use here.”

The board accepted with appreciation a $7,500 donation by the Town of La Conner to the Braves Club after-school program. That might increase to $10,000 when the town council passes their 2023 budget.

The board also approved a new salary schedule for school staff not represented by either of the district’s two labor unions.

Board President Susie Deyo said the agreement, retroactive to Sept. 1 and based on a lengthy salary study led by finance director Brian Gianello, allows the district to “pay our people comparable to other schools our size and other districts in our county.”

Gianello reported that school districts across Washington state are grappling with declining student enrollment, forcing them to spend down their reserve fund balances. La Conner is not immune, he cautioned.

“There are some tough decisions ahead,” he predicted.

Board policy is to maintain at minimum a reserve fund equal to 10% of the district budget. At the start of the this school year, the district’s reserve fund was $1.6 million.

Deyo said she had understood, based on summer fiscal projections, that the total would be closer to $1.95 million.

“There were some costs that occurred in July and August, the (new) math curriculum being one of them,” Gianello explained. “It’s never one thing, in particular. It’s a combination of things.”