Note from the superintendent

For the 2009-2010 school year, the Auburn School District will implement austere budget plans that address the unprecedented state fiscal crisis that cut 6 million dollars from the state apportionment to the district. This reduction forced the district to reduce programs funded by local levy dollars by 25 percent. Reductions in administrative salaries, transportation services, staff development, elementary athletics, program administration, support services staff, classified staff, software support, contract services, teaming time, and supplies were made to ensure that the priority of teachers and class size was maintained.

September 2, 2009 6:10 pm

For the 2009-2010 school year, the Auburn School District will implement austere budget plans that address the unprecedented state fiscal crisis that cut 6 million dollars from the state apportionment to the district. This reduction forced the district to reduce programs funded by local levy dollars by 25 percent. Reductions in administrative salaries, transportation services, staff development, elementary athletics, program administration, support services staff, classified staff, software support, contract services, teaming time, and supplies were made to ensure that the priority of teachers and class size was maintained.

The district will implement a District Strategic Improvement Plan that will focus on four areas, including increased student achievement for all students, reduced dropout and increased on-time graduation rates, increased parent and community partnerships and alignment of policies for increased student learning. Schools will utilize Professional Learning Communities to collaborate for student learning results that are significant, viable, and measurable.

The district will present a $46,400,000 a Capital Improvement Levy on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election. The district has withdrawn the $239,000, 000.00 School Improvement Bond until the economy improves. The Capital Improvement Levy is needed to repair aging roofs, plumbing and electrical systems, heating and ventilation, and seismic structure upgrades. These funds will be collected over the next six years and result in a combined tax rate at $4.93 per 1,000 of assessed value. Approval of the levy will prevent aging schools from falling into disrepair, maintaining safe and sound learning environments.

Other changes in the district include an earlier starting time at Mount Baker and Rainier Middle School. Both schools will start 15 minutes earlier at 7:30 am. This will allow the transportation services to double run, while reducing costs without reducing services to student and families. Also, portables have been added to Lakeland Hills Elementary and Mount Baker Middle schools to address growth in the southern portion of the district. A special education transition facility for 18-21 year students is being built at Auburn High. Growth driven, portables and transition facilities are funded by city and county impact fees.

– Kip Herren, Auburn School District superintendent