March, 2005

Rick Gantman, Superintendent

Superintendent’s Advisory Council—Twenty people attended the first meeting of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council (SAC) which was held on February 17th.  The purpose of the SAC is to provide me with input in areas such as finance, school facilities, curriculum, student activities, and long range topics such as the district’s Strategic Plan.   The agenda on the 17th included an overview of the SAC’s purpose and the structure of the meetings, an input session about the search for a new principal for Mount Baker High School, and information sessions about the Lake Whatcom Watershed, population growth in Mount Baker School District, and the upcoming formation of a Facilities Task Force.  The next meeting is scheduled for May 19th.

Budget Development 2005-2006—Another important topic at this time of the year is the development of next year’s budget.  The process has already begun with a projection of next year’s student enrollment.  This is a very important step because much of our funding is linked to the number of students in our schools.  This year we experienced a decline in our enrollment (approximately 30 less students) and we have to plan for a possible similar decrease next year.  Declining enrollment, along with other factors, suggest that we will need to make budget cuts for next year.  I will keep you informed as the budget details are developed.  Budget development work takes place throughout the spring and the School Board has several work sessions as they consider the decisions that will need to be made.  The budget is finalized in June and is adopted at the July Board meeting.  As always, I will keep you informed as the work continues; please give me a call if you have any questions about the budget development or anything else.

Superintendent's Messages

Mount Baker School District