News from your School Board

NTSB met on May 4th - here are a few items of note:

• The Board approved (4-0) a budget reduction proposal brought forward by Supt. Dr. Jim Koval. "There is not a non-essential thing on this reduction list," Koval said. "We are a district that will again have to do more with less resources. Not only are we losing some important things with these cuts but some important and valuable people." The proposal included both higher rates for secondary athletic fees and lunches, along with 65 staff positions, change in program models and staffing. To see details of these cuts go to www.nthurston.k12.wa.us/budget.
• Executive Director of Student and Staff Support, Maddy de Give, and Katy Lehman, Elementary Intervention Specialist, updated the Board on the Elementary Counseling grant, including PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership), which enlists current students to welcome and outreach program to new students.
• Financial Update: Asst. Supt. Shawn Lewis said that despite a downturn in enrollment, which drives the state funding formula, he is hopeful that "we are close to hitting the budget mark." He indicated that the district will end the year with an annual average FTE enrollment down 20 FTE.