School Board Business Meeting - April 23, 2026

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Budget adjustment process for $13 million deficit

Analysis of 2021 budget adjustments vs current status

Impact of rising insurance costs on district budget

Fund balance policy (16.6%) and its impact on bond ratings

Demographic study planning and enrollment projections

Transportation efficiency and routing challenges

Repurposing district buildings and infrastructure

Legislative advocacy for state funding mandates

Policy approvals regarding enrollment and activities

Naming of the new unified transition program for students with disabilities

Votes (2)

Approve six policies (509, 510.1, 510.2, 510.3, 510.4, 512)

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Sharon · Seconded by Awish

Approve name for unified transition program (SoWashCo Headwaters Life Skills Program)

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Melinda · Seconded by Ryan

Notable Quotes (3)

It's difficult to come back in August and be like, 'Oh, and by the way, we need to cut budget.' And so, we want this conversation around the budget to start now.

Julie Nielsen
Budget PlanningOpening budget communication.

Bonds are for building, levies are for learning.

Julie Nielsen
Funding MechanismsReferencing predecessor's guidance on funding restrictions.

I don't know if there's ever a good time to go to our community and say, 'Hey, we're cutting it also, can you give us more money?'

Sami
Levy/BudgetDiscussing public perception of school funding.

People (11)

KellyUnspecified

Assisting with budget projections and financial analysis.

SchwartzChair

Facilitating board discussion and voting.

ElizabethBoard Member

Comparing current cuts to 2021 and discussing bonding bill.

LouiseBoard Member

Asking about the importance of the 16.6% reserve fund.

RyanBoard Member

Addressing discrepancies in enrollment data and housing growth.

MelindaBoard Member

Discussing feedback loops for budget cuts.

SamiBoard Member

Asking about debt capacity and timeframe for adjustments.

SharonBoard Member

Discussing potential for repurposing buildings.

Dr. HickeyExecutive Director of Student Support Services

Proposing name for new transition program.

Hazel ReinhardtState Demographer

Conducting demographic studies for the district.

Places Mentioned

District Service CenterPine HillNewportPark High SchoolCottage GroveSt. Paul Park

Events & Meetings (2)

  • May 7, 2026: School Board Workshop, District Service Center, 6:00 p.m.
  • May 21, 2026: School Board Business Meeting, District Service Center, 6:00 p.m.

Ordinances & Resolutions (3)

Policy 509

Enrollment of non-residents

Policy 510.1

Athletic and activity participation

Policy 512

School-sponsored student publications and activities

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School Board Business Meeting - April 23, 2026 - Newport Recorder