District Budget Update

Dear Eastmont Parents and Community Members, We are continuing to work diligently on reducing costs to balance our budget for the 2025-2026 school year.  As I have shared before, the vast majority of school district budgets are people.  This is very difficult and not something any of us wanted, but we must move forward to live within our means next school year and beyond.  I hope the video update linked below, along with the FAQ, helps provide some clarity about where we are and what to expect moving forward.  Para ver subtitulos en Espanol, seleccione el boton CC para autogenerarlos.  At this time, I am limited in what I can share publicly as our affected staff deserve to hear directly from us first in a private and respectful conversation. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this challenging time.  Sincerely, - Spencer District Budget Frequently Asked Questions Guiding Principles:  “We practice fiscal stewardship, transparency, and effective management of district resources.”  2024-2029 Eastmont Strategic Plan    Board Policy 6022: “…the importance of maintaining an adequate fund balance (equal to not less than 8% appropriated operating expenditures) in all funds used to account for school district operations in order to keep the Eastmont School District in a strong financial position… in order to:  Provide sufficient cash flow for daily financial needs;  Secure and maintain investment grade bond ratings;  Offset significant economic downturns or revenue shortfalls; and  Provide funds for unforeseen expenditures related to emergencies.  We always want to spend wisely and are constantly looking for ways to recapture our community’s tax dollars as well as pursue grant funds. We must be flexible to adjust to meet the needs of students.   Process/Timeline: Annual Process : Project future enrollment and review the current year’s revenues and expenses, along with previous years (January). Ask “Will we need to adjust up or down?  Do we need to add or reduce costs?” Verify these planning assumptions with NCESD Finance Dept and current/former superintendents.  Study cohort (similar size/demographic) districts - where are we over or understaffed? Review Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOCs):  Are we adequately funding?  Are there areas to reduce?  Need to increase? Assess balance between staffing (optimal 85%) and MSOCs (15%). If a budget deficit remains after staff attrition : Get direction from the school board - how much should be in the unrestricted fund balance (8% minimum per Board policy)? (February) Communicate publicly budget realities with staff and then parents/community. (February) Get input from admin, staff, parents, and community on budget priorities and potential reductions with the least impact to students. Draft staffing allocations: Certificated staff first based on state and contract timelines. (March) Meet with affected staff. Classified staff (May/June) Meet with affected staff. Present a draft 2025/26 budget to the school board, revisions. (June/July)  Formal school board approval. (August) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Since enrollment is decreasing, is there a certain grade level or is it throughout the grade levels that the district is seeing the decrease? A: The district anticipates a 3.5% reduction in student enrollment. The grade levels where the largest reductions are likely to occur is at kindergarten (low birth rates, cost of housing) and at the high school (Running Start).  Q: Will classroom teacher reductions impact class sizes? A: At the elementary level projected class sizes are expected to be at the same level as the 2024-25 school year. At the secondary level it varies by department but in general we don’t expect a dramatic increase in overall class sizes.  Q: Are there administrative and non-classroom certificated roles that could be consolidated to prevent cutting classroom teachers? A:  Yes. The most visible change will be a reduction from five district executive positions to four executive positions with responsibilities shifted to the remaining four positions and building administrators. Administrators will experience a larger percentage reduction than other classifications  (10%). Compared to anticipated reductions of 5% to certificated staff (prior to any possible concessions).  Compared to anticipated reductions of  5%  classified staff. When considering other reductions, the district has prioritized the student experience which includes classroom teachers and looked to consolidate or reduce non-classroom certificated roles. Two specific positions that have been asked about will continue with additional responsibilities. K-2 Literacy Coach - This position is funded with LAP/Title funds and is critical in meeting priority #1 and #2 of our Strategic Plan - sustaining student achievement gains in early literacy.  IEP Coach/Assessment Coordinator - This position is partially funded with a grant from the state to improve IEP implementation.  The position is also a key contributor in safety net reimbursement. This year’s grant application is for $495,000 (nearly double previous year requests). Q: Has the district considered negotiating with associations about adjusting additional pay items? A:  District leaders have been in conversation with Association Leaders to build understanding of our budget situation and to ensure contractually agreed upon staff reduction procedures are followed. Conversations on possible adjustments are in progress. Q: What will the district do to support staff whose contracts are not being renewed? A:  The district is committed to supporting staff who are losing jobs by doing the following: Guaranteeing an interview for any position applied for in which the staff member is qualified up to a position closing date of August 31st, 2025. Priority placement in available long term substitute positions through the 2025-2026 school year. A letter of reference (upon request) that indicates the reason for the nonrenewal was staff reductions due to declining enrollment. Q: If there’s a budget crunch, why are substitutes brought in for staff to attend training, meetings, or data reviews? A:  Like most districts across the state, Eastmont is adjusting our workforce to reflect the decline in student enrollment. However we still need to invest in growing and supporting our staff through professional development that will positively impact student achievement. In many instances using funding that can only be used for professional development (Title II). Q: How can teachers and staff have a greater voice in budget decisions? A: Teachers and staff had the opportunity to provide feedback via a survey that Interim Superintendent Taylor distributed with a Taylor Talks.  Q: What is IPD and how does it apply to salaries at Eastmont versus state funding? A:  It is a tool the state uses to determine Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA’s) to state employee salaries.  It is intended to keep pace with inflation as designated by the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD) over the long-term. The state has indicated the 2025-26 IPD rate will be 2.4%. The difficulties districts face is that the state only funds about 70% of school district positions and it underfunds the actual costs of those employees. Thus local districts have to find other revenues (primarily levy funds) to ensure that all employees receive an equal COLA.  Q: Why does the district prioritize sports and purchases of a bus over keeping staff? A: Many of the revenue sources the district receives have rules and laws dictating how those funds can be spent. Examples include: Transportation Vehicle Funding (TVF) for school bus purchases comes through a depreciation model. These funds can only be used to purchase new buses or make major repairs. Federal bi-lingual funds (Title III) can only be used for instructional resources, professional development, and other non-direct classroom staff (ML coaches). It cannot be used to pay for  classroom instructors or paraeducators. B: Athletics and Student Activities:  These are only funded with levy funds that are approved by our community for specific items outlined in the resolution proposed to voters. Some of these funds do pay for staff, but other funds are dedicated to student extra-curricular programs like music and athletics.   Q: Will the district continue to be able to offer college in the high school and Advanced Placement (AP) courses with anticipated staff cuts. A: Yes. The district plans to continue to offer these types of challenging courses and possibly expand the number of college credits a student may earn while remaining an EHS student.  Q: How will social-emotional, behavioral, and adaptive support for students be impacted? A: These important programs will continue to be funded however some reductions will occur. Q: Has the positive impact of Project Search (students, community) been considered and will this program be eliminated? A: Project Search is one of the many amazing programs our district offers students. If student enrollment requirements are met the plan is to continue to offer this program. Q: How will students with IEPs and 504 plans continue to receive their required services and accommodations? A: The district will continue to support students with IEP and 504 plans as required by law. Though inadequate financial support from the state is received to meet all needs, the district supplements services via basic education and levy funding. The district is pursuing additional revenue via the “Safety Net” grant application process. 

Tuesday, Mar 11 2025

Superintendent Community Event

We are hosting a community event for the Board to consider Spencer Taylor as the long-term superintendent.  Date: Monday, March 3rd Time: 5:30 PM Location: Eastmont Junior High School Auditorium Submit Your Superintendent Questions:   Questions Form Submit Your Budget Questions:   Budget Questions & Input Additional Resources: Get to Know Spencer Taylor: Student "Taylor Talks Eastmont" Interview Provide Anonymous Feedback: Online Feedback Forum (Closes March 4th) We encourage all of you to participate!

Wednesday, Feb 26 2025

Taylor Talks 2025-2026 District Budget

Good Afternoon Eastmont Parents and Community Members, Being good stewards of our community’s resources has been a hallmark of the Eastmont School District ever since I arrived as a building principal at Grant Elementary nearly 18 years ago.  That continues to be a priority for our community, school board, and for myself.  Along with that commitment is the need to provide transparent communication, especially around the district budget.  This video below will provide an overview of our district budget as we plan for the 2025-2026 School Year and how we are planning to adjust to live within our means due to declining revenues, increased costs, and significant gaps in state funding. Para ver subtitulos en Espanol, seleccione el boton CC para autogenerarlos.  There will be a community forum on the budget and to learn more about me as the possible long term Superintendent for Eastmont.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions and give input.  I hope you are able to join me on Monday, March 3rd, 5:30pm at Eastmont Jr High School Auditorium. Sincerely, - Spencer Taylor   Interim Superintendent

Wednesday, Feb 26 2025

Long Term Superintendent Update

Dear Eastmont Community,  On Monday, January 27th, the Eastmont School District Board of Directors announced that Spencer Taylor, a long-standing Eastmont employee and current Interim Superintendent, is under consideration for the permanent superintendent position. This important decision comes after careful evaluation of district needs and Mr. Taylor’s qualifications. Get to know Spencer Taylor -  Student "Taylor Talks Eastmont" Interview   The Board is committed to transparency and community engagement throughout this process. To gather input from all stakeholders, the district will host the following events: Events to provide an opportunity for attendees to meet Mr. Taylor, ask questions, and share their perspectives. Staff Event: Thursday, February 27th, 4:00 PM.  Eastmont Junior High School Auditorium. Community Event:  Monday, March 3rd, 5:30 PM   Eastmont Junior High School Auditorium. Online anonymous Feedback Forum:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YYM2LZ6 (Closes March 4th) “The selection of a superintendent is one of the most important decisions a school board can make,” said Meaghan Vibbert. “We encourage everyone to take part in this process by attending an event or sharing their thoughts through the feedback forum.” The Board of Directors looks forward to hearing from the Eastmont community as they consider this critical decision for the district’s future.

Tuesday, Feb 11 2025

Eastmont School District Board Considers Spencer Tay...

On Monday, January 27th, the Eastmont School District Board of Directors announced that Spencer Taylor, a long-standing Eastmont employee and current Interim Superintendent, is under consideration for the permanent superintendent position. This important decision comes after careful evaluation of district needs and Mr. Taylor’s qualifications. The Board is committed to transparency and community engagement throughout this process. To gather input from all stakeholders, the district will host the following events: Staff Event : Date: Thursday, February 27th Time: 4:00 PM Location: Eastmont Junior High School Community Event : Date: Monday, March 3rd Time: 5:30 PM Location: Eastmont Junior High School Anonymous Feedback Forum : A digital forum will be launched later in February, allowing all stakeholders to submit comments and suggestions anonymously. Details on accessing the forum will be shared in the coming weeks. Both events will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet Mr. Taylor, ask questions, and share their perspectives. To provide further context about his vision and background in education, Mr. Taylor will release a “Taylor Talks Eastmont” video. The video will include details about his career, his plans for the district, and a link to the online feedback forum. “The selection of a superintendent is one of the most important decisions a school board can make,” said Meaghan Vibbert. “We encourage everyone to take part in this process by attending an event or sharing their thoughts through the feedback forum.” The Board of Directors looks forward to hearing from the Eastmont community as they consider this critical decision for the district’s future.

Tuesday, Jan 28 2025

Lost & Found - Transportation Department

Eastmont Families,  We have collected several coats, sweatshirts, lunch bags, water bottles and other personal items students have left on the bus throughout the year, and would love to be able to return them to you. If you think your student may have left an item on the bus, feel free to swing by the Transportation Office and see if your item is in our Lost and Found next week. After January 31st, all remaining items will be donated. Please call Transportation at 509-884-4621 if you have any questions.  Days: Monday through Friday (January 27th-January 31st) Location: Transportation Office 355 6th St NE East Wenatchee, WA Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm Thank you!!! __________________________________________________________ Familias de Eastmont,  Hemos recolectado varios abrigos, sudaderas, bolsas de almuerzo, botellas de agua y otros artículos personales que los estudiantes dejaron en el autobús durante el año y nos encantaría poder devolvérselos. Si cree que su estudiante pudo haber dejado un artículo en el autobús, no dude en pasar por la Oficina de Transporte y ver si su artículo está en nuestra sección de Objetos Perdidos y Encontrados la próxima semana. Después del 31 de enero, se donarán todos los artículos restantes. Llame a Transporte al 509-884-4621 si tiene alguna pregunta.  Días: Lunes a viernes (27 de enero-31 de enero) Ubicación: Oficina de transporte 355 6th St NE Wenatchee, Washington, EE.UU. Horas: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm ¡¡¡Gracias!!!

Friday, Jan 24 2025

Honored to be the Interim Superintendent

Hello Eastmont Families, If we haven't met, I am Spencer Taylor, and am honored to serve Eastmont as Interim Superintendent.  In addition to attending Eastmont as a student K-12, I have been working as a building and district administrator for over 17 years in Eastmont.  One of my top priorities as the new Interim Superintendent is listening and engaging our students, staff, parents and community to learn how we are doing.  I also am committed to keeping our staff, parents, and community members informed.  Eastmont is a special place and I want to make sure that we our providing our students with the best experience possible. I have begun to send regular short videos out to staff and have found it is a great tool for communication.  So, I would like to try it out with you.  I am calling it "Taylor Talks Eastmont".  I hope you enjoy it and find it helpful. Intro Video :  Introduction to me and what I am up to as the Interim Superintendent.  This video was created before Winter Break, and was intended for staff, but it is very applicable for our parents/guardians as well.  Strategic Plan Pillar #3:  Student Belonging and Voice (Sterling 9th grade Leadership class). Listening and Learning: I would love to hear from you to learn about what is going well, what needs improvement, and what you need from the Superintendent.  Please contact the district office (509) 884-7169, email taylors@eastmont206.org or respond via ParentSquare.  So far I have made the following connections:  60 staff, 30 students, 25 admin, 8 parents, and 2 Community members.  I will be meeting with many more parents and community members over the next few weeks.  I will present ​what I learned to our School Board on 27th and will share with our staff and ​parents as well.   Sincerely, - Spencer

Friday, Jan 10 2025

Late Starts, School Closures or Other Changes

A late start, early release, or school closure is a decision made necessary due to road conditions, power, water, sewer, and other environmental factors or illness. Any day that school is closed must be made up during the current school year.   These decisions to change the regular day are made by the Superintendent and will be communicated to parents as soon as possible. Notification will be provided on the District  website, via local media, and the District’s phone/text message system.  No information   indicates schools are running on their regular schedule .   Any delay or closure is only made after consultation with regional experts related to the type of  conditions creating the concern. For example, snow delays are based on reports from the County  Department of Transportation, local law enforcement, and the District Transportation Supervisor.   Common types of modifications to the school schedule include:  1.  All schools delayed two hours – including YMCA student care programs.  This decision is generally made between 5:00 and 5:30 AM with notification texts sent to  parents and staff, a posting to the District’s website and social media, and relayed to regional  radio stations and news media.   2.  School is closed for the whole day.    No school during the day and evening activities or out-of-district travel are canceled. This  decision is generally made by 5:30 AM.   3.  Other delays or closures as needed may be implemented.    When you work in rural schools, the unexpected is always possible.  (No electricity in the  school, frozen pipes, plumbing backed up, etc.)  Eastmont encourages parents to provide both email and phone numbers for text alerts.  Both of these communication tools continue to become more common for emergency  type communications.  Once the decision is made to change the school schedule :  1. Parents and Eastmont Staff will receive a ParentSquare  text or message .  2. District’s  website  will be updated immediately at  www.eastmont206.org  .  3. District’s  Facebook  and  Twitter  will be updated immediately.  4.  Regional Media  is notified immediately of ANY type of school schedule change. 

Monday, Nov 18 2024

We Did It!

Dear Parents, Staff and Supporters of the Eastmont School District, We did it!  As of today's ballot count,  12,338 votes have been counted, and our Educational Programs and Operations Levy is passing at a comfortable 57.94%  Do remember that with levies that directly support student learning, the requirement is a simple majority of votes to pass, or 50% plus one.    These levy funds are a critical component to our overall budget, and support just about every function of the district.  This vote represents broad community support for the students and staff of the Eastmont School District.  These kind of positive relationships are what define a community.   Thank you for your support of Eastmont.  The future for each of our students is filled with hope and with  promise. Warmest regards, Becky Berg Superintendent

Friday, Nov 08 2024

Please vote!

Thank you for voting by November 5th!

Friday, Nov 01 2024