School Board Accountability

To the Editor:

School Board Accountability

Recently, the Journal had an article where several local school districts lamented the fact their costs are exceeding their income. The State of Washington and the legislature, eg taxpayers, were of course blamed for the district’s woes. Let me offer a different perspective, at least in the case of the Shelton School District (SSD).

First, the skyrocketing cost of insurance was mentioned by several districts. Part of this is what all of us are experiencing; however, in the case of SSD, could the impact of recent lawsuits have an impact on their risk rating? The district’s negligence in the sexual abuse of students by a school counselor will probably be coming out at trial. There is also the case of football coaches mistreating students. In both instances, the lack of oversight, mandated reporting, and indifference would cause any insurer to pause.

Next, the board cannot blame the state for contracts they sign. Shelton labor agreements included increases well beyond inflation and the increases the state might provide. The cost of labor is about 85% of the SSD annual budget, so the board’s failure to address this issue has a significant impact on shortfalls. Annual wage increases of 6-8%, including base salary, step increases, longevity and other stipends, cannot be sustained, are well above historical inflation, and much above likely state funding increases.

On another contract issue, the complete lack of accountability of the board in the recent superintendent contract extension is sickening. Without a proper performance evaluation of the superintendent and without any public knowledge of the changes, the board approved an increase in compensation and other contract modifications. If the board cannot properly handle one contract with one individual, then how do we trust them with millions of dollars?

Even more, SSD continues to borrow money from the county to cover their bills, with accompanying interest charges. The district has also been late on utility bills, causing additional fees. All of this adds up to tens of thousands of dollars in 2024, even more in prior years. How can this be anyone’s responsibility other than the district?

Finally, no discussion of SSD would be complete without acknowledging the impact of lower enrollment has had on revenue, specifically state funding. We live in a growing community but proportionately less children are going to SSD schools. It is time for our board and superintendent to openly address all these issues and not blame others for their dereliction.

Robert Gay (Bob) Rogers

Shelton