Will Funding for Librarians Really Be Cut?
To be honest - We’re unsure whether school closures are still on the list. At Tuesday night’s LP Brown Elementary PTO meeting, Superintendent Murphy acknowledged the illegal nature of their December 14th vote. Although, he was unwilling to comment on whether school closures were still an option.
It is true - The current $380K one-year budget gap can beaddressed with solutions the community has delivered to increase revenue, reduce expenses and maintain a balanced four-year budget.
It is also true - Librarians are starting to be told their FTE is being cut back for 2024-2025, yet there is no word of cuts at the Knox Administration building (non-student facing positions) or of a cut to Superintendent Murphy’s salary.
How was this decision already made without direction from the School Board or public deliberation?
Join us today, 4/18, 6-8pm at the Knox Administration Building(111 Bethel St NE) or online via Zoom here, where the Board will discuss options to deliver a balanced four-year budget.
Which Path Will the Board Choose?
Path A: Will they choose the path that lets the Superintendent off the hook, allowing him to close schools and/or diminish school services/programs, like librarians, art, music and PE without looking at the Knox budget?
Path B: Or, will they choose the path that holds the Superintendent accountable for his Knox Administration budget, which has grown from 3% to 8.3% of the total OSD budget since his tenure began in 2017?
Path C: Perhaps we will witness deliberation of an entirely different path brought up at the very last minute, which has happened before.
The choice depends on the Superintendent and Board’s vision for the OSD. However, only Director Maria Flores has shared a vision for the School District. Have a listen HERE
“Every kid in our district, and every family in our district, should have the right and the opportunity to go to a school that meets their needs exactly where they're at.” - Director Flores
If her vision were adopted, which we highly recommend, Path B would be the choice, that balances the budget without diminishing programs or services and redistributes power to the Principals (as they had in 2017), allowing them to determine what is best for their staff and students.
The idea of meeting students where they’re at has been shown to work. This vision allows for an equity-based discussion, one that leverages OSD’s equity tool.
Families move to Olympia for our schools, some of the most highly rated in the state. Let’s create a system where everyone has access to the supports and services they need to help them thrive.
Struggling with All This Uncertainty?
JOIN US FOR Navigating Through Uncertainty: A Night of Support for Parents, Caregivers and Staff at New Bridge Community Church (812 Central St SE) on Monday, 4/22, at 6-7:30pm.
Facilitated by Lillie McCatty, LMHC, CMHS, a local licensed mental health counselor. Childcare will be provided. More info HERE
We All Schools Signs Sold HERE
What a great way to show your pride in allour Olympia area school districts. Over 90 local businesses stand united in keeping ALL schools open.
