Budget Update
February 16, 2024
Budget Update #6
Hello Wenatchee School District,
I know the budget reduction process has been causing a lot of stress and feelings of uncertainty for everyone in the system. These are undoubtedly challenging times, and I want you to know that we will get through this. Our team is fully committed to keeping our staff informed and updated on all the latest developments regarding the budget and the reduction process.
In this budget update, we’d like to share an overview of decisions and actions currently happening regarding budget reductions.
Kory
Updates
High School Schedule Change
Wenatchee High School will be changing its schedule starting in the 2024-2025 school year. This schedule will change from the 4x4 block to a six-period schedule. The shift to this schedule will allow for necessary staffing reductions. Start and end times for Wenatchee High School will not change.
Middle School Schedule Change
Last week, Superintendent Kalahar selected a new common middle school schedule based on staff feedback. The new schedule meets the district’s need to make necessary staffing reductions at the middle school level. The majority of staff chose option “C2” which is a traditional six-period day. This new schedule will go into effect for Foothills, Orchard, and Pioneer starting next year. Start and end times for middle schools are not changing.
Elementary Consolidation
During the budget workshop on February 12, the district presented a written analysis to the school board concerning the proposed closure of Columbia Elementary. The analysis has been made available on the budget website and will be updated with new information as it becomes available. A Spanish version of the 66-page report will be posted on the website in the coming days.
Watch the School Board Budget Workshop Presentation
Start of the 90-day Period
The board official announced that the required 90-day listening period for the potential closure began on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The board will hold two public hearings for the public to give comments on the following days from 6-9 PM at the Wenatchee High School Commons.
March 21, 2024
April 18, 2024
The board is expected to take action on the possible closure during their regular meeting on May 14, 2024, at 6 PM.
Additional Reductions
We know that even with the changes in the high school and middle school schedules, and the possibility of Columbia closing, we still need to make more budget cuts. On top of those changes, we will need to reduce district staff by $1 million and find at least $2 million in savings through reductions in materials, supplies, and operating costs.
Budget Reduction Resources
Documents
Possible Closure of Columbia Written Analysis
Written Analysis School Board Presentation
Question & Answer
2024-25 Budget and School Closure Q&A (ENGLISH)
2024-25 Budget and School Closure Q&A (ESPAÑOL)
Upcoming Budget Related School Board Meetings
School Board Meeting - May 14 @ 6:00 PM Live Stream Available
Budget website
For more information on the district budget visit the budget website wenatcheeschools.org/budge
24-25 Budget Communication
Our promise
We promise to build a foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion from which each student emerges future-ready.
Nuestra Promesa
Prometemos construir una base de diversidad, equidad e inclusión a partir de la cual cada estudiante salga preparado para el futuro
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Wenatchee School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator, Title IX Officer, Section 504 Coordinator, HIB Compliance and Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Mike Lane, Executive Director of Schools, lane.michael@wenatcheeschools.org, 235 Sunset Ave. Wenatchee, WA 98801, 509 663-8161
You can report discrimination and discriminatory harassment to any school staff member or to the district's Civil Rights Coordinator, listed above. You also have the right to file a complaint (see below). For a copy of your district’s nondiscrimination policy and procedure, contact your school or district office or view it online here: Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P
DECLARACIÓN DE NO DISCRIMINACIÓN
El Distrito Escolar de Wenatchee no discrimina en ningún programa o actividad por motivos de sexo, raza, credo, religión, color, origen nacional, edad, condición de veterano o militar, orientación sexual, expresión de género, identidad de género, discapacidad o el uso de un perro guía entrenado o un animal de servicio y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados. Los siguientes empleados han sido designados para manejar preguntas y quejas de supuesta discriminación: Coordinador de Derechos Civiles, Oficial del Título IX, Coordinador de la Sección 504, Coordinador de Escuelas Inclusivas de Género y Cumplimiento de HIB: Mike Lane, Director Ejecutivo de Escuelas, lane.michael@wenatcheeschools.org, 235 Sunset Ave. Wenatchee, WA 98801, 509 663-8161
Puede denunciar la discriminación y el acoso discriminatorio a cualquier miembro del personal de la escuela o al Coordinador de Derechos Civiles del distrito, mencionado anteriormente. También tiene derecho a presentar una queja (ver más abajo). Para obtener una copia de la política y el procedimiento de no discriminación de su distrito, comuníquese con la escuela o la oficina del distrito o véala en línea aquí: Política 3210 y Procedimiento 3210P
