With an estimated $6.5 million shortfall overshadowing the 2012-2013 school year, the Central Kitsap School District is looking to the community for help.

The district will host three public forms for parents and community members next month hoping to get feedback on a list of up to 45 items that the CKSD said needs to be prioritized, according to David McVicker, district’s finance director.

“It’s earlier and greater involvement,” McVicker said, at a recent school board meeting, before adding that the budget process is the same from previous years but because of the larger projected shortfall, more effort and time is needed.

Three community meetings will be offered and include Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Klahowya Secondary School, Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Central Kitsap High School and Thursday, Jan. 26 at Olympic High School. All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include group participation time.

The series of meetings will look at programs and activities that receive little or no state money after years of cuts to match recession era spending.

Of interest to CKSD leadership is the public interest and belief in school library and music programs along with considerations for administrator positions and money to pay for Advanced Placement training and support. The district also expects to hold public conversation on junior high activities and athletics, high school athletics and some activities, as well as other items and programs.

The district is relying on the forums to identify what programs or items are important to the community.

“We got to have data,” said Superintendent Greg Lynch. “This is the first step.”