Hello EWSD Community,
I am writing to provide you a timely update on our budget process. As a board, we take with the utmost seriousness our responsibility to bring forth a school budget to reflect and balance the needs of our community. As I shared earlier this week, we have moved quickly to meet and prioritize the necessary steps to bring forward a revised budget. We remain committed to engaging the community as much as possible through that process.
Here are our updates, next steps, and important dates for community engagement:
On April 11th, we voted to move forward with a tentative in-person vote date of May 7th.
While mail-in ballots do provide greater voter turnout, we felt the increased cost and the extended timeline was not in the best interest of our community, teachers and students. The date was also impacted by limitations of the clerk’s office in what dates they are able to accommodate a vote. You can review the full recording of the meeting and related discussion as to how we arrived at that date and decision here (Part 1 / Part 2).
With a rapid timeline created by that voting date, we have scheduled multiple meetings next week to prioritize the budget revision process. Below you will find a timeline and description of each meeting, which includes opportunities for community input both virtually and in person. We also ask and encourage you to email feedback if unable to attend either opportunity.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6:30-8:00PM, EHS Library Board Meeting (Agenda)
During this meeting, the board will explore a number of potential reduction areas; assessing their impact on both students, the budget and the tax rate. The discussion will be the key space to obtain information and more fully understand the impact of various reduction strategies, not make or finalize decisions. This meeting will be live-streamed as well for those who are unable to attend via Media Factory.
Virtual Community Engagement Meeting
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 6:30-8:00 PM (Google Meet Link)
This virtual meeting will be a conversation for community feedback and is the designated time for the community to bring forth questions, feedback, and ideas related to the priorities of the revised budget. This is a time where there is an opportunity for a back and forth conversation with the board and community members
In-Person Community Engagement Meeting
Thursday, April 18, 2024 6:00-7:00 PM, EHS Cafeteria
This in-person community engagement meeting will be the other designated opportunity for the community to ask questions or give input prior to the board making recommendations for the revised budget. This is a time where there is an opportunity for a back and forth conversation with the board and community members
Thursday, April 18, 2024 7-10 PM EHS Library Board Meeting
During this meeting, the board will have discussion to review themes of community input, dig into any additional questions about reduction areas, and give final budget guidance to the administration. The administration will then incorporate that guidance and bring back the draft budget for review and vote at the next meeting. This meeting will be live-streamed as well for those who are unable to attend via Media Factory.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 6:30-8 PM Fully Virtual School Board Meeting (Google Meet Link)
At this time, the board will review the final budget and vote to approve it. This will then allow the board to put forth the May 7th election for the community to vote upon the budget.
Potential Community Election: May 7, 2024, In-Person Voting Only
Again, thank you for all the ways that you have shown up and supported the work of the board during this challenging year. We are grateful for everyone who has emailed, shown up for board and community engagement meetings, invited us to speak to community groups, and reached out to us with your questions, feedback, and ideas. Thank you to everyone who has given encouragement and understanding to our board as we strive to serve you in a tough year.
Thank you for your continued engagement. I look forward to collaborating with you throughout this process. For complete information on all of our budget related meetings and materials please visit the EWSD Budget Page. As always, do not hesitate to email the board if you are otherwise able to participate.
With gratitude and respect,
Robert Carpenter
EWSD Board Chair