The Central Kitsap School District is asking the community for help in its quest to recover federal funding. The district’s goal is to obtain 1,500 signatures by March 5 on a petition to get back its Heavy Impact Aid.

“The secretary of education could make a decision on our case as early as next Friday,” said Superintendent Hazel Bauman. “I really hope folks will take just a moment to sign our petition. We already have a strong argument for getting this funding back. But a petition like this would make a big statement.”

The district plans to deliver the signed petition to elected officials on March 6. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Derek Kilmer have both expressed support for the return of Heavy Impact Aid. The petition will serve as an additional persuasive tool as they continue conversations with the Department of Education.

Heavy Impact Aid is funding given to school districts with large military populations. Three years ago, the Department of Education changed its rules for Heavy Impact Aid and denied funding to CKSD. After reviewing the case, a federal administrative law judge said this denial was “improper.” His decision would return Heavy Impact Aid. In spite of this ruling, the Department of Education continues to deny funding.

The petition is available at http://www.change.org/petitions/u-s-secretary-of-education-arne-duncan-return-heavy-impact-aid-to-central-kitsap-school-district-6