The recently passed four-year levy allows the Kent School District School Board an opportunity to restore some programs lost during past budget reductions.

The additional funds available for program restoration are limited to between three and four million dollars per year. Since the list of possible restorations exceeds that amount, the board invited the public to respond with their preferences through a survey and at public hearings during the last few weeks.

At the April 30 school board meeting, the board discussed their review of the survey results and gave the administration recommendations as to their restorative priorities for the upcoming school year.  Administrative staff will now develop a budget based on the Board’s recommendations that will be adopted in August.

The board agreed with the public’s priorities, which are below. The board recommended funding the first three items given the current available budget capacity.

1.      Fifth grade band and strings (Fund)

2.      Elementary school guidance counselors (Fund)

3.      Elementary librarian/instructional technology specialists (Fund)

4.      High school Advance Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program

5.      Middle School Instructional Technology Coaches

6.      After School Buses

7.      Eliminate “Pay to Participate”

8.      Middle School Baseball, Fast Pitch Softball, and Field Technician

School Board President Debbie Straus said, “We are very appreciative to everyone who expressed their opinions. The input provided by our staff, parents, students, and community members is invaluable as we consider options for the 2014-15 budget.”

The results of the survey and public hearings are posted on the District website. (link http://www.boarddocs.com/wa/ksdwa/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9JLNZU58A374)