School board, leaders retreat to address future goals, needs

The La Conner School Board spent June 24 with interim superintendent David Cram for their annual daylong retreat. They addressed roles, responsibilities and goals for board members.

Cram projected a K-12 student enrollment of 460 and beginning fund balance of $535,000 this fall. While the enrollment figure is lower than last year, the fund balance estimate represents a significant improvement. The school district opened 2023-24 in the red.

Cram, who returned to La Conner as finance director in March 2023, expressed confidence to board members that with the help of administrative mentors and Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Clothier he can shoulder the added duties of superintendent in 2024-25.

"I'll need assistance, but we have a good team in place and I have contacts with other superintendents and attorneys," he said. "I can access their knowledge and skill sets. But I won't know if I'll need help until we get into some stuff.

"It's going to be a challenge, but I work really well with Beth and have had good meetings with you and other groups."

One of his goals will be to facilitate a process for identifying and selecting a new superintendent for 2025-26. He will also lead the campaign for a successful maintenance and operations levy election in February. Another goal is promoting student academic improvement by 10 points in both reading and math.

The board's goals, beyond the levy campaign and hiring a new superintendent, were highlighted by drafting a timeline to achieve a fund balance equal to 10% of the district's annual $12.6 million budget.

"It's a slow process, but we'll get there," Cram said. "The cuts we made last year are the ones other districts are having to make this year."

Board president Susie Deyo said members will also endeavor to promote community engagement and accelerate student learning and academic performance.