The recently announced budget gap and reduction in force (RIF) at the schools is disappointing. Much of the budget gap is a result of the state unexpectedly cutting funding for established programs. In response to this, there is little we can do other than come to terms with it, hope that the state restores some funding and support the school district’s fundraising campaign and the PTSA auction to the extent we are able.

For those who were apprehensive about the increased taxes that would have come with a passing bond, these fundraisers may be easier to support, as they are smaller and voluntary.

We also need to thoroughly understand the context and causes of funding problems that are not a result of surprises from the state. They are complicated and not easily understood.

We have had RIFs, voluntary or involuntary, for each of the last two years, maybe longer. During that time, district forecasts have predicted annual enrollment declines in the area of 30 students and expense growth out-pacing revenue growth. A budget gap caused by this is no surprise, and closing this gap typically includes some sort of staff reduction. We should have expected a RIF this year, and, unless something dramatically changes, we should expect another next year and the next and the next…

All else remaining constant, an enrollment decline of 30 students results in a reduction of one to two teachers needed and in a revenue reduction of around $200,000. The labor savings are less than the revenue reductions, which drive cost-cutting in other areas. (As a side note, off-island students significantly reduce the negative impact of this.)

Additionally, general fund money was spent preparing for the bond voters just defeated. Had the bond passed, this money would have been returned to the general fund, improving our reserve.

Another significant change to the budget from this year is that the generous gift of discounted wages by our current superintendent (the largest individual donation to our district of the last two years) will end.

All totaled, before the state budget problems, we should have anticipated a budget gap of $200,000 or more.

The state budget problem is a significant contributor to our budget gap, but it is not the only cause of it. Focusing blame primarily on state issues deflects attention from understanding our ongoing local issues.

Sadly, recurring budget gaps result in a slow, methodical erosion of our school system. Failing to recognize this and prepare for it results in an unnecessarily chaotic dismantling of cherished programs. This year we saw financially driven blended classed, staffing remediation during the school year and significantly increased class sizes in kindergarten, among other undesirables. In the recent past, we have seen reductions in course offerings and diversity at the high school, and we can expect more in the future.

Last summer, I e-mailed the district with concerns of the expectation of recurring and growing budget gaps, and I encouraged them to act. Some board members hoped to take up the issue then. Unfortunately, this got bumped in spite of everyone’s best intentions. The district accomplished a tremendous amount in the last year, but regrettably the opportunity to begin preparing for expected shortfalls was missed. Criticizing and lamenting this will not help, but learning from it will. We need aggressive action to confront the reality that traditional funding of schools will not adequately support the education we need and expect.

At the last board meeting, initiating a long-term fundraising program was on the agenda, but it was decided to delay action until the new superintendent takes the helm. This makes sense, but we must be vigilant to prevent short delays from becoming long delays that hamper preparation.

We have been down this path before, with a result of an enormous budget gap and inadequate preparation.

Please join me in the following:

First, don’t accept my assessment. Ask the district for the best estimate of finances and our ability to maintain current programs two, three and five years out. This is not easy or exact, but it is valuable.

Second, if you are able, support the campaign to bridge the current gap as an emergency measure only as well as the PTSA auction. The PTSA support helps in many areas that might otherwise be difficult to fund.

Third, call on the school board to develop long-term solutions to expected budget shortfalls based on conservative estimates. This should include a commitment to generate sustainable supplemental revenue and set an example of self-sufficiency without donations.

Finally, encourage the board to commission development of a proposal for education on Vashon that is financially sustainable, diverse in course offerings and adaptable to individual needs.

The current model is unsustainable, and the sooner we begin to transition to a sustainable model the better. The district’s Instructional Services Council, composed of creative and very capable administrators, teachers and parents, is well-positioned to add this task to the current charge of aligning curriculum.

Education on Vashon faces serious challenges. We can meet them, but we must act more proactively to identify and address them.

— Steve Ellison, a parent active in school issues, served on the Instructional Services Council this year.