2008-09 Budget Challenge Update

May 7, 2008

District Faces $600,000 Budget Shortfall for 2008-09

Local Donors Support School District with “Challenge Gift” to Mitigate Anticipated Reduction – Designated Gift Preserves K-12 UW Marine Program

The Washington State Legislature has progressively, and chronically, underfunded basic education in our state since “basic education” was redefined in 1978.  Six recent studies estimate that it will now take another $2.4 billion dollars annually in order to adequately fund our schools.  In 1993 our Washington State was ranked 11^th in the nation in education spending, currently we rank 44^th in the nation, behind Mississippi.  A recent article in the Bellingham Herald summarizes the challenges to districts throughout our region -http://www.bellinghamherald.com/255/story/399806.html

Legislation passed this year has resulted in another $100 million dollar shortfall for basic education statewide.  Underfunded cost of living increases and other program reductions are causing school districts across the state to consider severe program and service reductions.  Our situation is compounded by a trend of declining enrollment over the past several years due to changing Island demographics.  The San Juan Island School District portion of this shortfall is $600,000 for 2008-09.

Without increased local support, this shortfall will cause class sizes to increase dramatically, and significant cuts or program reductions in math, science and elective options, arts and vocational programs, sports and co-curricular programs.  Transportation, food services, custodial, and secretarial support services will be substantially reduced or eliminated.  A summary of possible program reductions and cuts has been created for board discussion if sufficient funds cannot be identified by May 15^th.

At a public meeting on May 1^st, community members took a stand to preserve these programs by raising local funds.  Local donors have coordinated together to make a $275,000 “Challenge Gift” to the School District to mitigate anticipated program reductions.   Charles Anderson, Chair of the San Juan Island Community Foundation Board, said, "These donors are committed to ensuring that our schools will continue to provide an outstanding education on San Juan Island." He is optimistic that other donors will also step forward to preserve our school programs and recognize the importance of education to a healthy community.

Donations include an anonymous gift through the “Fairway Fund”, as well as donations from David McCauley, Cloud Oakes, Scott Boden, and Charles Anderson & Pamela Gross. This collective “challenge gift” anticipates other successful fundraising efforts planned by the community including the “Save Our Schools” phone appeal through the San Juan Public Schools Foundation scheduled for this Thursday evening, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Donations can be made through the Community Foundation or the Public Schools Foundation website – www.sjpsf.org.

We are also deeply grateful for the generous gift of $10,500 from Carolyn Haugen to preserve the UW Marine Laboratory K-12 Outreach Program.  Carolyn helped launch this program while principal at the elementary school.  Carol’s desire is to preserve what she believes to be an essential part of our science program, and she urges others to step forward as they are able to ensure the continued excellence of district programs and services.

It is extremely unlikely that the legislature will take action in time to preserve the integrity of our schools and our programs, therefore, we as a community must take action to develop the local resources necessary to preserve the quality of our schools.  The Community Foundation and the Public Schools Foundation are committed to addressing the immediate challenge of raising $600,000, and to creating a longer term local funding solution as well as lobbying the legislature to address the statewide education funding issue.