As Camas School District (CSD) grapples with an $8.2 million budget deficit, the School Board listened to a budget committee update Monday night that outlined nine major considerations to resolve the challenging financial issues.
Mike True and Mary Tipton, who volunteer on Superintendent Jeff Snell’s special budget committee, explained in detail the methodologies used to analyze the thorny issues in front of them, as well as their commitment to finding the best possible solutions.
The special budget committee was formed to take a deep dive into how CSD spends its money, find ways to reduce expenses, and ultimately provide Snell with overall considerations on how to balance the budget, which was thrown into chaos following “McCleary” legislation, legislative fixes, loss of voter-approved levies, and collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 225 of the state’s 295 districts are dealing with similar budget deficits.
School board member Connie Hennessey said that although the process is painful, she also sees this as an opportunity to shine light on inefficiencies throughout CSD. Seventeen community members, from various and diverse backgrounds, are on the committee who meet regularly to find solutions. The urgency of their work is in part because the current bargaining agreement stipulates certificated staff must receive layoff notices by May 15.
“We’re dealing with extraordinary circumstances and I appreciate everyone on this committee,” said True. “This isn’t easy work, but we don’t want to bury our heads, this is our community, and we want you to know our desire is to preserve as many programs as possible — we don’t want to cut programs entirely as they will be hard to bring back.”
He also emphasized this is a year-to-year approach, as CSD doesn’t know how future legislation could change the funding model.
True addressed the first four points, which are as follows:
1) Use of Fund Balance: a. Using fund balance allows CSD to address the budget gap over two years. b. Access fund balance in year 1 (2019-20) at a reasonable level, but could potentially lead to additional reductions in 2020-21. c. The committee believes it’s important to maintain the fund balance at 5 percent of the annual operating budget. This allows for emergencies and 2-4 weeks of continued operations in the event the state doesn’t provide funding in a timely manner. d. Future justified uses of fund balance may include preservation of programs, additional of staff to reduce overload, where justified and appropriate, and short-term opportunities where there is a known strategy to refund. e. Future uses reducing unrestricted fund balance levels below 5 percent are not recommended for addition of programs, addition of staff, or compensation increases for existing positions.
2) Advocate for legislation that provides sustainable district funding.
3) Work towards preservation of CSD program opportunities for students during the funding model transition, which includes the following: a. Avoid cutting entire programs. b. Establish program evaluation metrics for future analysis of impact and efficiency. c. Pursue opportunities to enhance program support funding from PTA/CEF/Boosters and other supporting organizations and initiatives.
4) Preserve student access to counselors.
School board members listen to budget committee members Monday night.
Tipton addresses points five to nine, which are as follows: 5) Close staffing alignment to the state prototypical school funding model while preserving the goals of CSD. Reduce teacher on special assignment staff to a minimum level that keeps support for target district initiatives. a. Protect class size — contractual class size target Elementary: 24 Middle School: 30 High School: 31 b. Manage staffing to avoid increased overload, as defined in collective bargaining agreement.
6) Maintain appropriate security levels and protocols.
8) When pursuing capital projects, continue to consider the impact on operating expenditures.
9) As future funding becomes available, consider the following: a. Prioritize service levels to our students, community and staff. b. Prioritize program and extracurricular funding for students. c. Growth of fund balance to appropriate levels.
“This is our report about our guidance to Jeff, who will be finalizing his recommendations to the board in the next few weeks,” said Tipton. “We’ve had a board member at every budget committee meeting, for which we are grateful.”
True said the committee members all come from different places and levels of understanding.
“I’ll go on the record and say that Mary and I have made a three-year commitment to be a part of this,” said True. “As processes move on, we’ll continue to look at fund balance and uses within that fund balance. It’s not an enjoyable process. There will be reductions.”
School Board member, Corey McEnry, said: “We’re thankful for so many stakeholders as we wrap our heads around this.”
Budget committee members present in the meeting acknowledged the challenges they face with making the considerations. “It’s really hard to understand,” said one member.
The School Board voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 12-03, which is a Modified Educational Program that authorizes Snell to move forward with a budget model.
Snell said he will continue to work with legislators advocating for better funding, and that CDS staff will work through the budget committee’s considerations to draft staffing models for the upcoming school year.
Camas, WA, —On Sunday, April 28th from 1-4pm, Downtown Camas will have a “spring cleaning” with weeding, litter pick up and flower planting. The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) invites community members to come share in this annual grass roots effort. Journey Community Church in downtown invites the volunteers to come early at 12:30pm for a grilled burger and hot dog lunch served by Journey volunteers.
In honor of Earth Day, which was started by Camas native Denis Hayes, the Downtown Camas Association, volunteers, local students, Journey Church, City of Camas staff, and other community members will be helping with:
Volunteers meet in front of Journey at 4th & Birch (304 NE 4th) to sign in. Journey will be serving lunch to volunteers starting at 12:30pm. All ages welcome to volunteer. Bring your own shovels, spades, buckets, wheelbarrows and garden gloves. Wheelbarrows are especially needed. Garbage bags and rubber gloves are provided for litter pick up.
“We love to see the transformation of our town within just a few hours,” says Carrie Schulstad, DCA Executive Director. “Everyone comes together in a grass roots way, has fun and gets to see what a difference they make in the aesthetic and charm of our downtown. All ages can participate. Thank you to the City of Camas for all your help, to Journey Church for providing lunch and to all the wonderful volunteers that come rain or shine to beautify the town we love.”
The downtown improvements are done just in time to make downtown shine for the Annual Camas Plant & Garden Fair in Downtown Camas on Saturday, May 11th.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/07081603/B1DC459C-D587-4A3E-B5F2-8299E15486F0.jpeg14962256Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-04-09 11:52:472019-04-09 12:08:22Help Beautify Downtown Camas At The Annual Spring Clean-Up & Planting Day
At the Camas City Council workshop meeting Monday night, the council unanimously gave direction to city staff to prepare a general obligation bond this November to fund the construction of a new aquatics center.
The news is a major breakthrough in the years-long battle to build a new aquatics center to accommodate the growing demands of all competitive and recreational swimmers, as well as address learn-to-swim and health-related programs.
“We gave staff direction to look at the Buhman property, which is adjacent to Fallen Leaf Lake, across from Heritage Park,” said Camas Mayor, Shannon Turk. “The land, which is just over six acres, is already owned by the City of Camas, and Camas residents have made it very clear they want a new pool. I feel this is a positive step forward.”
Monday’s motion gives staff direction to prepare a general obligation bond that will be presented to voters on the November ballot. The general obligation bond would fund the construction of the new aquatics center.
“Council will look at other sites in Camas, as well, and to look at getting a general obligation bond, which is putting a vote to the people on whether they would be willing to pay for a new pool,” said Turk.
Archived plans for a pool site near Fall Leaf Lake.
Over the past several months, Camas has been meeting with Washougal to build a community center that has a pool, and Turk said it was time to change the direction.
“Although we’re not saying no to a partnership with Washougal, we feel it’s in our best interest to go forward without them,” said Turk. “The meetings with Washougal weren’t moving this forward.”
City Council member, Melissa Smith, agreed.
“The bond amount hasn’t been determined, and this directs staff to look at property and put in a phased approach,” said Smith. “Timing is in November, and we would have to know the bond amount by August 6.”
Smith added there is potential to buy surrounding parcels, but that’s very preliminary.
“We could accommodate the needs for a 50,000 square foot pool facility,” said Smith. “If we went further and wanted to add more, there would be potential for that.”
Turk said this general obligation bond would be offset by the retiring of the Camas Public Library general obligation bond, which happens in 2019. “This bond would be offsetting,” she said.
Smith said the city staff will also exhaust every possible site, and that preparing this for the November ballot is a super tight timeframe, but doable.
“We have to take advantage of the momentum,” said City Council member, Don Chaney. “Shannon embraces this. We have a chance to do it. If the people say no, they say no. The challenge will be to make the timeline. The community will see that we heard them.”
The city has made numerous failed attempts to build a new aquatics center over the years, but Turk is determined.
“We’re not going to fail anymore,” said Turk.
Chaney said this location is optimum.
“People talk about location,” said Chaney. “I have a different view, it has to be a destination. It’s like Crown Park, and a competitive pool will bring money to downtown. This plan has full council support. We are re-engineering the intersection there, and that will be a big improvement. It was a great meeting today. Everyone should be happy with that meeting.”
A pool concept used in Camas pool planning.
Camas has been feeling the effects of losing access to aquatic centers over the past two years. First, the Crown Park Pool was closed, and then Camas High School swim teams were no longer allowed to use the Lacamas Athletic Club’s pool.
“It’s been a real challenge,” said Dave Peddie, a part of the 2018 State Champion Camas High School Boys Swim team. “Losing our home pool hurt us.”
Local residents have also been dismayed at losing the Crown Park Pool, feeling like their children are missing out on great summertime experiences, as well as the loss of valuable swimming lessons.
“This is great news,” said Darlene Lumbard, Head Coach of Columbia River Swim Team. “This is a chance to build a pool for everyone. We can all come together with a good design to reach all the things our community needs. A center encompasses all kinds of things with a competitive pool. Building the right aquatics center will have everything from competitive to therapeutic. It should have all the necessary programming.
“A well-run aquatics center has a private team, a high school team, recreation, learn to swim, scuba, kayak training, water therapy, silver sneakers. I would prefer a deep end because you can do so much more with a deep end. You can do synchro, diving, and water polo. This is a great opportunity to build the right pool. There’s no diving in the community, and there are a lot of gymnasts here. The deep end should go into a five foot, and then maybe with an L to it, where you have your learn-to-swim pool. You can put in your therapeutic work there, as well. This is so exciting!”
The next article will look at aquatics center design options and what they can do for a community.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/07081819/5B6E5020-BB9B-47C6-928E-F3CF959BC8DB-scaled.jpeg24905118Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-04-02 12:18:052019-04-02 12:18:20Camas City Council Eyes New Aquatic Center Site; To Seek Public Input, Vote
Washougal, WA — Dr. Mary Templeton, Washougal School District (WSD) Superintendent, was recently selected a 2018-19 “Superintendent to Watch” by the National Schools Public Relations Association. She will be recognized this summer at the 2019 NSPRA Seminar in Washington D.C. with the 14 other honorees from around the nation.
The award recognizes district leaders with less than five years of experience as a superintendent who exemplify dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core. Templeton was hired in Washougal in July of 2018 and is a first-time superintendent. She previously worked as a teacher for 15 years and an administrator in Spokane for the last 11.
“Communication is critical for letting our stakeholders know about the great things that are happening in our schools,” said Templeton. “It is exciting to help Washougal rise to become one of the top performers in the state of Washington.”
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the transformational leadership, community engagement, and relationship building Mary is engaged in,” said Cory Chase, WSD Board President, in a letter of recommendation sent in support of Templeton’s nomination. “She has demonstrated dynamic leadership, fast-paced decision making, and shown the value of strong communications in the district’s efforts. I’m proud of our district and am certain that Mary is on the right track to help us achieve great things.”
In his letter he went on to site examples of Templeton’s efforts including her connections with civic groups, parents and staff, her work to lead development of a new strategic plan, and her communications efforts during and at the conclusion of bargaining with the local teacher union.
“As one of several new superintendents in the region this year, Mary quickly became a highly respected leader among her peers,” said Tim Merlino, Superintendent Educational Service District 112 in his letter of recommendation. “Her knowledge and passion for education, coupled with a dynamic energy and warmth, has made her one of the ‘go-to’ superintendents in Southwest Washington.”
He went on to point out that Templeton’s style of “leading through listening” is a quality greatly admired by the more than 400 WSD employees she guides.
“Mary effectively utilizes all communication strategies, both new technologies and traditional vehicles, to reach her audiences,” he said. “While her involvement in big-picture state-level education issues is admirable, she also takes time to visit one-on-one with a variety of stakeholders. She has made it her number one priority to get to know staff, parents and community members through conversations and in informal settings. She is always present in schools, hallways, classrooms, and athletic and performing arts events.”
“Our future is bright in Washougal,” said Templeton. “And with a continued focus on communication, we will make sure the community is involved with us as we exceed our own expectations and aspire toward excellence.”
CAMAS, WA — A 19-year-old Vancouver man died in a motorcycle accident on Friday night, according to Camas police.
The Camas police and Camas-Washougal Fire Department responded to the 700 block of NW Lake Road shortly after 7:30 p.m., and the victim was found dead at the scene. There were no other vehicles involved in the crash, which is under investigation.
Speed appears to be a factor in the motorcycle accident, police said, and the name of the man is being withheld until family has been notified.
Northwest Lake Rd. between Lacamas Lane and Lacamas Drive was closed due to the investigation.
This story will be updated as more information is released.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/07081901/6AD2582A-958D-43F6-B8DE-862593068D3C.jpeg360640Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-03-30 11:01:572019-03-30 11:02:04Vancouver Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident on Lake Road in Camas
Washougal, WA – The Two Rivers Heritage Museum reopened their doors March 1 to welcome visitors after their annual four-month closure for maintenance and display enhancements.
“Winter is always a busy time for us,” said Camas-Washougal Historical Society President, Jim Cobb. “Even though the museum is closed for guests, we have a lot cleaning, repairing and reorganizing to do to keep it looking good and our exhibits fresh.”
In addition to new displays, a more modern security system was installed and additional space in the basement was organized for accessioning and curator work.
One of the new exhibits is called “OH, Teddy!” and as might be expected, features Teddy bears.
“While inventorying we found that we have lots and lots of dolls and Teddy bears,” said Karen Johnson, accessions volunteer and Oh Teddy curator.
www.AgentJeremiah.com
Most of the collection came from the estate of Barbara Heriford, a local collector who had visions of opening a doll shop before she passed away.
“We decided it would be fun to replace the old toy exhibit and bring out these bears that had been packed away for so many years,” said Johnson. “All we had was a list, so we went to work locating them all. It was a matter of pawing through boxes to find what we had. It was actually pretty fun. You’d open a box and say, ’Oh, look what I found!’ Each box you opened it was like ‘oh look, oh look, oh look!’ The bears are all so different and cute.”
The process then took more than a month to decide which bears to display and figure out how best to show them. “We have so many bears we could not just line them up in a row,” said Johnson. “I did research online to see how other Teddy bear exhibits were set up. I saw an exhibit from Japan which is the inspiration for the tight packed bears in the glass case we have now.”
Since the bears were mostly from a collection, there was not a lot of story behind each of them. So, Johnson decided to tell the story of the how stuffed toy bears became known as Teddy Bears.
“It is quite an interesting story,” Johnson teased. “It all started with a bear hunting trip President Theodore Roosevelt took in 1902. That is all I’ll say. I’d like to invite visitors to come in to learn the rest!”
To help explain the Teddy bear story, Sunni Lambert, a 4th grade student at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary, was recorded telling its history so it could be played back for guests at a push of a button. “Sunni did a great job and her recorded sweet voice telling this story helps to bring the exhibit to life,” Johnson said.
Another new display “Toys That Teach,” is a thoughtful and fun look at toys through the past that educated through play. “It is an interesting display and we think it will engage conversation,” Johnson said. Retired contractor and teacher, Walt Eby, curated the exhibit.
Teddy Bears!
“Window to Our Past” is also new this year. Curated and created by Ivar Godtilbsen, the museum’s new computer network and support administrator features old pictures and QR codes. “It’s a new way of engaging our visitors,” explained Johnson. “They can use their smart phones with a QR code App to learn intriguing stories behind some interesting pictures from our photo collection.”
The Two Rivers Heritage Museum is located at 1 Durgan Street in Washougal and open March through October. Regular hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission costs are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students and free for children under 5 and all CWHS members. Group tours are available any day of the week (by appointment only). Call 360-835-8742 for scheduling.
Once again, to celebrate spring break, students may visit the museum for free April 4-6. They must be accompanied by an adult.
CWHS representatives will be at the April First Friday, on April 5, in downtown Camas in the lobby of Journey Church. They will have interesting local artifacts and information about the work progressing on the Gathering Place at Washuxwal project.
“Our community has so much to be proud of in this museum,” Cobb said. “We hope local folks who have not had a chance to see the museum will stop in and look around at all we have to offer.”
CWHS is always looking for volunteers and new members to join and help support the preservation of local history. More information about the CWHS and the Two Rivers Heritage Museum can be found on their website at www.2rhm.com.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/07081950/C00A0822-3342-47D1-9C85-71FC5EFC181D-scaled.jpeg14512992Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-03-25 10:22:092019-03-25 10:22:18Two Rivers Heritage Museum Reopens for 2019 Season w/ New Exhibits
Following on the two town halls they held earlier this month in Yacolt and La Center, the three members of the 18th District’s legislative team will hold another town hall at the Port of Camas-Washougal on Saturday, March 16.
Rivers, Vick and Hoff will provide an update on the 2019 session and then take questions from attendees.
Freshman Rep. Larry Hoff has been busy learning the ropes as one of the newest lawmakers, and his bill to create a short form death certificate in Washington state has been unanimously approved by the state House.
Substitute House Bill 1799 would allow state and local registrars to issue a short form death certificate that does not list a decedent’s Social Security number, the names of their parents, or information about the cause and manner of their death. Those who would be able to request a short form include:
Specified family members, guardians and representatives;
Funeral directors or establishments;
A title insurer or title insurance agent handling a transaction involving property in which the decedent held a right, title or interest; and
A person who demonstrates that the certified copy is necessary for a determination related to the death, or for the protection of a personal or property right related to the death.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/07082351/FEF3E2A8-66A1-4234-85B2-EC3B4F468515.jpeg5161175Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-03-11 17:24:082019-03-11 17:24:1518th LD Lawmakers Coming to Port of Camas-Washougal This Saturday
The lingering effects of the McCleary legislation and subsequent “fix” are leaving school districts across the state with massive budget deficits, and Camas is no exception.
Camas School District leaders have been very public for the past year that the new state funding model would have draconian budget effects, and CSD Superintendent Jeff Snell reports the district is officially grappling with an $8 million shortfall in the upcoming 2019-20 school year.
“An $8 million deficit is the reality,” said Snell. “Layoffs are coming. There has to be a reduction in force, there’s no way around it. We will send notices out on May 15 for certificated staff, and June 1 for classified staff. Sometimes you have to over-inform people that they may not have a job.”
Snell wishes this wasn’t the case, and regrets having to layoff valuable employees.
“This is just the model that we’re in because of the timing of the Legislature,” said Snell.
To deal with the upcoming shortfall, CSD is taking several actions now, which include tightening the belt, and organizing a community-based budget committee.
Tightening the belt measures:
• Reduced non-staff budgets (supplies) by 3%.
• One-year contracts for any new district employee hires.
• Cabinet raises start mid-year.
Critics say more needs to be done before laying off teachers and staff. The budget committee meets regularly to work out considerations which will be presented to Snell at the end of April. Snell will then review those considerations, and make recommendations to the School Board.
Camas Superintendent, Jeff Snell, discusses legislative updates.
“They’ve been working hard and report to the School Board about progress,” said Snell.
“These seem like logical steps to take when facing tough budget decisions and are areas that do not impact student learning,” said Shelley Houle, president of the Camas Education Association (CEA).
CEA will be working closely with CSD during the layoff process.
“CEA works closely with management and follows a process that is set in our current bargaining agreement,” said Houle. “Ultimately CSD makes the final decisions, but CEA makes sure the process is followed.”
So, what is that process?
“There is a seniority factor found on page 39 of our contract,” said Houle. “The first step, though, is for the board to adopt a reduced educational program. Then there are steps to make sure that remaining positions will be filled by educators with the proper certifications, endorsements, and/or licenses. This section is quite detailed, but must be decided before looking at seniority. Then at the top is seniority in Washington State, followed by Camas School District, and then years in the profession. Following that is credits earned beyond BA or MA, flexibility of certification, and then lottery.”
During bargaining sessions last summer, lead CEA negotiator Mark Gardner dismissed talks of layoffs, claiming they were district scare tactics aimed at denying teachers the full promise of McCleary.
So, should CEA have settled for the 4 percent raises offered early in the negotiations? Is CSD misinterpreting the law?
“2019-20 was projected to be a dip year when levy changes were being felt the most and districts are planning on how to manage that,” said Houle. “McCleary significantly increased public education funding including money for compensation. The state was not doing its paramount duty. Legislation passed that greatly changed the structure of funding. I wouldn’t call it a misinterpretation. Districts must now restructure and reprioritize based on the new model.”
CEA at their general membership meeting in August 2018.
If the new model ends up laying off teachers all over the state how is that helping things?
“I can’t make a hindsight decision on our negotiations,” said Houle. “We bargained on the current conditions for the increased funding that McCleary provided. The state had failed in its paramount duty which included compensation. With a new model comes a shift in how money is spent. We have a teacher shortage in our state and country. With increased compensation comes better recruitment and retainment. But first, budget decisions have to be made. We hate to see any reductions in staff because we value our colleagues and the important work they do every day for students.”
So, knowing the new model would result in layoffs, of which they were very transparent, why did CSD agree to last year’s CEA settlement?
“There were very strong political forces at play, financials in a new model, and we were still trying to understand the impact of the new model,” said Snell. “There was a massive infusion of cash and as those come out you try to come up with solutions that are going to work. And, we felt it was our job to get classes started on time. Teachers needed to be teaching.”
“These are the realities. When you look across the landscape, our raises were consistent with other districts. You have to have a workforce that’s competitive and is compensated fairly. We feel like we have a great staff, but we also have this big conundrum we’re trying to work through. Trying to be very thoughtful about the entire problem. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve been given. Because the models change, either the Legislature has to do things differently, or we have to make major cuts.”
Camas School Board at a recent meeting.
He said the process doesn’t just happen with one decision point.
“It’s an incredibly complex new funding model, and it took several months to really understand it,” said Snell. “I care about our schools and staff and I want the best for everyone there. I try to be as transparent as possible, and that’s why we started the budget committee. You walk this fine line of is that it’s so complex it’s really hard to explain.”
Senator Ann Rivers said the problem with the legislation is that it put all the money out in one lump sum.
“When we agreed to the bill it was meant to release the funds over time, in a more gradual way, but they changed it at the last minute, and all these billions went out at once,” said Rivers. “It was like dragging a doughnut through a fat farm! Everyone wanted a part of it, and suddenly the Washington Education Association (WEA) started talking about 25 percent raises — and it wasn’t true.”
Rivers said once the unions put that out about 25 percent raises, it galvanized their membership, and pushed them to issue strike threats.
“The WEA misled their teachers, the public, and some school districts felt like they were extorted — forced to give teachers raises they knew they couldn’t afford.”
Did Snell feel like he was extorted?
He said no.
“I have a role to try to find balance and see our workforce costs and compare them to what we need to offer,” he said.
And, Snell also discussed the complexities of budgets in this new funding model.
“Budgets in public schools are very challenging because you don’t know what the revenue is from the Legislature,” said Snell. “We can see right now there are all kinds of bills out there that can change things. There are changes but it’s within a similar structure. The challenge has led to confusion and different interpretations and you see negotiations that are really challenging. You have a Legislature that is still wrestling with this.”
Did the McCleary legislation unintentionally create more harm than good?
Eric Engebretson, president of the Washington Association of Educators (WAE) said the Washington Education Association (WEA) played a key role in pushing the Supreme Court decision and in lobbying for the legislation that is causing today’s havoc.
“The legislation had good intent, but it also has a mixed message,” said Engebretson. “It’s not as clear as we would have liked to have seen. It’s tied the districts hands in some ways, it’s tied the union’s hands in some ways … some think it’s pass-through money and others say they can do what they want so we hope that everything gets revisited soon …”
Snell said the teacher’s unions are about taking care of the teachers.
“If you have a union that’s responsible for wages for your group, then you need to change the model for more capacity,” said Snell. “The WEA forced the system to change the model. They created a crisis in the system that then prompts increased funding, that’s what the McCleary decision did, and so it disrupted this system and created a new system. I don’t know if WEA is worried about the system. They care about their teachers. The WEA is in charge right now. I understand there are forces at play with different interests.”
Snell calls it a conundrum.
“Raises caused this problem, but raises also retain amazing staff members,” said Snell. “Here we are. There’s a deficit. We’re trying to make good decisions. Good decisions are always challenging.”
Houle said, “The WEA’s mission is to strengthen public schools. And yes, the legislators need to continue fixing the law and decrease the havoc!”
Camas High School 2018 Graduation ceremony.
Can this be resolved before layoffs happen?
Eighty-six percent of the CSD budget is personnel, and with the need to cut $8 million during the next school year, it’s likely dozens of teachers and staff will be laid off — if nothing changes.
“The legislature is listening. They talk about levy, about special education funding, and increasing that to help balance things,” said Snell. “The Governor’s budget has relief for us, but that’s just one component. What are the changes to the model for the 2019 year? We don’t know.”
Houle is spending today in Olympia.
“I am meeting with other WEA political action committee board members for a legislative update and for more training,” said Houle. “I was up there on Presidents’ Day lobbying and will be doing so again later this month. All in all, we want schools to remain a safe place for our students to learn. CEA will continue to lobby for increased special education funding, levy flexibility, and increased funding for safety (counselors, nurses, etc).”
With layoffs looming, was it right for the School Board to give Snell a 5 percent raise?
The school board approached Snell with a 5 percent raise offer, from December on.
“In my mind, it’s 3.1 percent because it started mid-year,” said Snell. “I have a $163,000 base salary. It’s an important job.”
What’s next?
Snell said the district leadership will be working closely with union leadership and talking to them about the process, and trying to be as transparent as possible knowing that it impacts the CSD fund balance. He said it’s essential to start to change the model, and that expenditures need to line up with income.
“What happens next is the committee develops considerations for me, and I will develop a budget and present it the school board,” said Snell. “This will happen at the end of April with the Legislature and we’ll then do our best guess to speculate what the Legislature will do, and then we’ll formally adopt it in August. Before all that, we have contractural obligations and we have notification dates for employees.”
“Non-personnel cuts includes supplies, travel, utilities, gas, buses, contracted services through special education,” said Snell. “There’s a lot there. We would probably look at a percent applied to those things. We need to realize savings to those costs. Look at extracurricular expenses, which are paid through levy and student fees. Do we hold those? In the short term, I don’t want to make decisions that remove programs. Our desire is to maintain programming. In year two or three if you see the revenue is not coming then you might have to reduce programming. Regarding buses, we try to keep on depreciation cycle because we get funds from the state.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/07082520/653F7919-CB7E-42BD-846A-8954FDBAA61F-scaled.jpeg28125451Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-03-05 18:17:422019-03-05 22:03:59Camas School District: $8 Million Budget Deficit; ‘Layoffs Are Coming’
Legislation that would improve how the state identifies highly capable students unanimously passed the House Education Committee last week.
House Bill 1641, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Vick, would require school districts to develop an assessment, referral, and placement process for highly capable students. Each student would be screened at least once prior to 6th grade. The legislation would also ensure students are able to receive transportation services to and from school.
“School districts are currently doing their best to identify and educate highly capable students, but the simple fact is, there are a large number of students who remain unidentified and are falling through the cracks. By standardizing the process across rich and poor districts, we should be able to identify the students who need and deserve the service,” said Vick, R-Vancouver. “Not only does House Bill 1641 benefit our highly capable students and their futures, but it will have a positive impact on our state’s economy and workforce.”
The legislation would:
Modify school district procedures related to identification, selection, and placement of highly capable students.
Direct the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to designate staff to provide technical assistance and guidance to school districts regarding the Highly Capable Program.
Require that the state fund, and school districts provide transportation to and from programs for highly capable students.
Specify staff training requirements related to identifying and serving highly capable students.
“Education is not one size fits all. What I am trying to accomplish with this legislation is ensure each student is getting the education they deserve regardless of their socio-economic status,” said Vick. “This legislation will assist in unlocking lifelong potential for our highly capable students. There should be no barriers or limits to what these students can accomplish in or outside the classroom.”
The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the 105-day legislative session on April 28.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07082639/F7077245-5EBD-4C2C-AB0D-33C7991CF7F1.jpeg9751872Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-02-25 11:56:132019-02-25 11:56:27Legislation to Help Identify Highly Capable Students Passes House Education Committee
CAMAS, WA — The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that George Regis, a 63-year-old pilot, who was last seen departing Grove Field Airport in Camas, is listed as missing.
In their press release, authorities say that Regis departed Grove Field Airport (which is located at 632 NE 267th Ave. in the Fern Prairie area) around noon on Friday, January 25, and that he has not been heard from since that departure. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office believes Regis may have been traveling Southwest — to either Arizona or Texas.
His cellular telephone sent a final signal in the Newberg/Dundee, Oregon area on Saturday, January 26. A flight plan was not filed, and is not required of pilots and aircraft departing Grove Field, which is part of the Port of Camas-Washougal.
If anyone has information about Regis or his whereabouts, the authorities are asking you to call 911.
Grove Field is home to many local airplanes, both new and active, as well as vintage, and there are long-range plans to expand the airport. There has been a growing interest in aviation in the last few years, and Grove Field has been instrumental in helping people learn about the industry and how to fly aircraft.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/07083206/3ECDE141-DA54-40DF-8625-050ACD510914.jpeg6131302Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-01-28 18:33:512019-01-28 18:33:51Pilot Who Departed Camas Airport Missing; Sheriff’s Office Asks For Help
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