001OSD Board Recap Gilbert Lamont: District 5: Last night, the board got an initial look at the proposed budget reductions for next school year. In total, the proposal is about $3.8 million dollars, and much of the conversation focused on reductions directly tied to schools. Two of the biggest points of focus were family liaison and elementary art teachers. The proposal includes eliminating five family liaison positions. Those positions were added with temporary ESSER funding during the pandemic. Under this proposal, support for students and families would continue through existing school-based staff and supports. Elementary art was also a big part of last night's discussion. Under the proposal, the elementary art art specialist program would end, with art instruction shifting back into the classroom. The plan is to help support that transition through continued funding for materials, teacher resources, inspire
002Olympia grants and partnerships with local artists. The board also took up secondary readings on Policy 1005, Key Functions of the Board, Order of Business and Quorum, Policy 1620, the Board Superintendent Relationship and Procedures 1005P and 1620P. The board chose to table the conversation on policy 1400, Meeting Conduct to allow board members additional time to make amendments. The board chose to hold our questions and comments until next week's budget work session where there'll be more time for dialogue. Last night was just the start of our budget conversation, not the finish. I also want to thank everyone who came out to share public comments and make their voices heard. We've also gotten strong feedback through the district's budget survey with nearly 2,000 responses so far. Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to weigh in.
003If you have not completed the survey yet, please take a few minutes to do so. We know these are difficult conversations and there's still more discussion ahead as we this work continues. If you have any questions, please visit the district budget FAQ page. Thank you. Olympia School District: Questions for the Board? Reach out today! [email protected]