February 6, 2023: Black History Month, Responding to hate/bias/violence, Budget Forecast

February is Black History Month! Family. Strength. Joy. Faith. Education. Hope. These are six words that come to mind when I think about my personal journey as an African American student growing up in the deep south to my current position as Interim Superintendent of Northshore. I have been reflecting a lot on these concepts as we enter Black History Month. For me and my family, the celebration of what it means to be Black in the United States and our community’s contributions happens every day - not just in February. 

During Black History Month, the Northshore School District recognizes and celebrates the national Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action from February 6 – February 10, 2023. This is an opportunity for all staff, administrators, and students to celebrate and center the voices, lived experience, and significant contributions of Black individuals and communities - past and present. From book readings and activities, to guest speakers and  community events - February will be rich with opportunities. Resources including the recent virtual panel hosted by the Racial and Educational Justice Department can be found below in District Highlights. I encourage all of you to participate in some way. 

I also want to take this opportunity to thank our Black staff and administrators for choosing Northshore School District. You could be sharing your gifts and expertise at any District in the region - but you chose this community to serve. Thank you. I was fortunate to meet with the North Creek Black Student Union recently. Our conversation underscored the importance of representation. Representation matters. It matters in our classrooms, in the District curriculum, and in who students see teaching and leading. It matters for all students, but particularly our Black students. As an African-American leader, I also understand the added weight of this responsibility. I see all that you are doing, and I am deeply grateful. If you ever need to talk, my door is open. 

I also want to recognize that Black History Month comes on the heels of the tragic murder and funeral of Tyre Nichols. I have been contemplating what our District’s consistent response should be to national incidents of violence against an individual or community. It is one thing to condemn the  incident - it is another to provide real support to our community and to those that are suffering. We must acknowledge these brutal injustices without also unintentionally inflicting additional trauma and pain. I plan to work with the Racial and Educational Justice, Student Support Services, and Communications Departments to determine a more predictable and supportive response - one that centers those most traumatized and impacted, also knowing all of us are affected by such horrific violence. While this work is underway, I want to draw your attention to current resources below in District Highlights, including a link to Tyre’s photography. By sharing his photography, I intend to help him and his family reclaim his narrative - one of joy, creativity, and appreciation for landscapes and nature’s unmatched beauty.  

These have been a few busy weeks, a mixture of great conversations and important work. I am excited about the State of Our Schools event on Wednesday, February 8th from 8-9 a.m. The event will center student voice and the concept of belonging. I hope that you can join us for the live stream or take the time to watch the taped event. All of our great successes are due to you. You are the reason that Northshore and so many of our students are thriving. 

Finally, this last week I presented our 2023-24 budget forecast to school leaders and central office staff. It is important that next year’s budgeting process is transparent and staff have the opportunity to ask questions of leadership. I have additional meetings scheduled for Support Services and Transportation Departments in the coming weeks and Cabinet members will be scheduling engagements with school-based staff over the next month. 

While Northshore may be in a better financial situation than neighboring districts, we do anticipate a budget shortfall of $10 to 12 million dollars for the 2023-24 school year. So what is contributing to the estimated budget shortfall? 

• A loss of  666 students over the past four years, with the most significant drop between 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Student enrollment is the largest driver of our budget. Every 75 students (FTE) = $1 million dollars;

• An anticipated additional loss of more than 200 students next school year (2023-24); 

• Inflation and increased costs for goods; 

• Necessary investments in our pandemic recovery; 

• Planning for upcoming contracts; and

• The need to set aside funding for unknown issues or challenges. 

I want to remind everyone that our shortfall is an estimate and depends on the outcome of the state’s Legislative Session. As I shared earlier in January, this will be a critical session for public education across our state. Seventy-three percent of Northshore’s budget is paid for by the state based on student enrollment. Local taxes used for public education, referred to as levies, help make up the gap between what the state provides and what our students need. 

Last school year, Northshore invested over $23.6 million of local levy dollars on special education services and supports for our students with disabilities. These aren’t “extras” but foundational supports students need to thrive and reach their full potential. Full funding of Special Education is a Legislative Priority of our School Board and staff. If the state fully funded special education, our budget forecast would look very different. I look forward to participating with the Northshore Council PTSA during Focus Day on February 20th in Olympia. Together, along with families and educators from across the state, we will share what full funding could mean for our students, staff, and community. 

In partnership, 

Interim Superintendent Michael Tolley

State of Our Schools Livestreamed Wednesday, Feb. 8

The community is invited to view the 2023 State of Our Schools on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 8-9 a.m. This event is a celebration of our community’s public schools and all that we have accomplished together. Interim Superintendent Michael Tolley will provide an update on Northshore’s strategic initiatives and successes while providing insights into what he heard from Northshore’s families, students, staff, and community members during his Listen and Learn tour, which took place September 2022 - January 2023.

View the State of Our Schools Livestream on Feb. 8

Responding to Incidents of Violence, Racism, and Hatred

ParentSquare Communications Tool Launched Districtwide Jan. 23

Northshore's Virtual College and Career Fair takes place Feb. 9

Northshore School District is proud to host our 2023 Virtual College & Career Fair on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This event will be filled with valuable information to help families plan and navigate post high school options, and it is intended for all Northshore high school students and families, but is open to all.

Over 15 virtual sessions will be offered, and topics include:

• College Application Process

• Paying for College

• Transfer, Tech, and 2-Year Programs

• Apprenticeships and Career Colleges

• ...and so much more!
   

Learn More About the Virtual College and Career Fair