QVSD Board Meeting 10/29/2024

The Quillayute Valley School District Board held a meeting on October 29, 2024, primarily focused on discussions around the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy and related budget planning. The board reviewed the current levy funding allocations, emphasizing the need to replace and maintain educational programs, staff positions, and facility repairs. They discussed the challenges of meeting the required collection rate to maximize Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding, considering property value fluctuations and tax rates. The board considered a four-year levy proposal with a target collection rate of $150 per thousand assessed value to secure nearly $5 million in LEA funding, which would support unfunded staffing and program costs. They also reviewed capital improvement projects such as roof and heater pump replacements, gym flooring, and technology upgrades, prioritizing these based on necessity and available grants. Additionally, the board approved accepting a $1.2 million Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) grant for field improvements, with plans to fund the local match through timber dollars or other local funds. A motion was passed to send a letter supporting timber sales to the Department of Natural Resources, highlighting the importance of timber revenue for the district's funding. The board also discussed communication strategies for the levy campaign and ongoing efforts to secure grants and manage budget uncertainties. No immediate levy decisions were made, but direction was given to prepare resolutions for future board consideration.