This budget report demonstrates our effort to employ a disciplined and strategic approach to allocating limited resources aligned with the priorities outlined in our district’s strategic plan.
In support of our district’s mission and vision, I’d like to highlight a few of the many actionable items associated with the 2014-15 Methow Valley School District Budget. They include:
Financial Responsibility:
- Facilitated an inclusive and transparent Budget Development Process
- Maintained contractual commitments with all related associations, including: mandatory increases to salary, benefits, insurance, pension, and other employee-related costs
- Invested in the ongoing maintenance of our district’s facilities and transportation fleet
- Maintained compliance with the district’ Ending Fund Balance Policy
A System of Exceptional Teaching and Learning:
- Continued development of a comprehensive system of “Student and Family Support Services” – Counseling Services, Youth and Family Social Worker, Mental Health Services, Student Success Coordinator, Special Education Director/School Psychologist, and Nursing Services
- Continued opportunities for all staff to participate in ongoing forms of professional development – International Baccalaureate Workshops, IB Unit Planning, Big Picture Learning, Breakthrough Coach Training, Restorative Justice Workshops, Robotics and Engineering Workshops, ELA and MLA Training Sessions, and weekly collaborative planning sessions
- Expanded World Language Coursework K-12
- Expanded Methow Valley Elementary Music Program
- Initiated a Liberty Bell Choir
- Expanded Literacy Support Staffing at Methow Valley Elementary School
- Initiated a Director of Teaching and Learning/IB and HCLP Coordinator
- Initiated the hiring of a full-time Activities Director
- Expanded Support Services – Secretary to the District Office and Secretary to the Director of Operations and Capital Projects
Innovation and Flexibility:
- Continued collaboration with Jeff Petty, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Consortium of School Innovation and founder of the Highline School District Big Picture School
- Initiated an Internship Coordinator
- Expanded Careers in Construction Academy coursework
- Expanded Science Course Electives
- Expanded Online Course Offerings
Equity and Excellence for All:
- Eliminated all supply fees district-wide
Learner Profile:
- Continued opportunities for all staff to participate in ongoing forms of professional development associated with the district’s Learner Profile
- Continued development of Student and Family Support Services – Initiating “Restorative Practices” approach to discipline
Family and Community Engagement:
- Successful passage of a 4.5 million Capital Projects Levy focused on improvements to our facilities
- Successful passage of an 800 thousand Transportation Vehicle Fund Levy to support the replacement of our aging bus fleet
- Initiated a series of IB Community Nights
- Initiated project “Website Refresh”
- Initiated district presence on Facebook
Early Childhood Education:
- Initiated an Early Childhood Education and Childcare Coordinator
Looking forward to the 2015-16 school year, we will continue to align the Strategic Visioning Process with the Budget Development Process, resulting in a series of planned investments associated with our six strategic areas of focus and vision for all students and families in the Methow Valley.
Thank you,
Tom Venable
Superintendent, Methow Valley School District