District Considers New Bell Schedule for
2012-13 School Year
In light of the Olympia School District’s $2 million budget deficit, the board of directors is looking at a change in the district’s bell schedule system to save between $160,000 to $260,000 in transportation expenses. The district’s draft budget proposes using $1.5 million from operating reserves to fill the majority of the budget gap, which still leaves the district with a deficit of $490,000.
Feedback from staff and community surveys were unanimous in not wanting to reduce staff resources that directly impact classroom learning. In pulling together options for reducing district expenses, it was evident that a change in the district’s bell schedule could save a significant amount of money. For more than a year now, the district’s board of directors has been considering four different bell schedule options which are outlined in the linked document below. Draft Option 4 is the most current option put forth for consideration in response to feedback received at the community forums held earlier this month.
The district would sincerely appreciate feedback from parents, staff, students and community members regarding the proposed bell schedule options. Please send your thoughts, ideas and opinions about the various options to Ryan Betz, Director of Communications & Community Relations at rbetz@osd.wednet.edu. If you have any questions, please call 596-6104.