By PATTY PAGE
As a school district, we continue to have strong student learning growth, as shown by our state and national test scores.
The staff at North Kitsap is dedicated to supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally every day. Continuous improvement of student learning is always being analyzed in order to enhance individual growth.
The school district made conservative enrollment projections for 2013-14, and came in higher than expected. For the first time in several years, the district received additional funds from the state for LAP, transportation, and for materials, supplies and operating costs. As a district, we are stabilizing financially and we are working toward the board policy of a 5 percent uncommitted fund balance.
Starting with FY 2013-14, a three- to five-year long-range financial plan will be developed and shared with the community. A long-range plan allows district management and the board to analyze the impact of current decisions on future fiscal years. The district will establish educational goals and financial priorities, with input from the community, that meet or enhance the needs of all of our students.
As the district receives additional funds, we can increase the educational opportunities for all students based on the priorities and goals. The renewal of the district’s Maintenance and Operations levy, which accounts for approximately 23 percent of the district’s operating budget, will be placed on the February 2014 ballot.
Review and updating of all the board policies will occur in 2014. State and national initiatives — including Common Core, Evaluation System, Highly Capable, and LAP — will continue to drive local district priorities. All initiatives are intended to help students be able to follow their dreams in a global society.
North Kitsap does not anticipate any new construction in the near future. Analysis and long-range planning on future maintenance and repairs is being updated and developed.
For the first time in many years, we can anticipate financial health with the federal and state economy stabilizing.
— Patty Page is superintendent of the North Kitsap School District.
