WSD Staff,

Thank you for welcoming me to your schools and departments over the last several months as I’ve toured the district sharing information about our strategic plan and updates on the budget. I’ve just concluded my tour and want to tell you how appreciative I am of your support and willingness to listen and help provide feedback and ideas on how we tackle the budget challenge that lies ahead. Also, thank you to those who took time out of their busy day to share insights with me on what’s working, what’s not, and what things you want me to know through my Google form. I value your candor and honest feedback.

During my time with you, I committed to provide regular updates on our progress with the budget. One of the biggest challenges with our budget is understanding it. School funding is complicated and we want you to have a more clear understanding of how the budget works. So we’ve created what I like to call a “Budget 101” guide. This document breaks down our various funding sources, their restrictions and how we spend those funds to support student learning. We’ve also created a video of myself and Dr. Kalahar that walks you through the Budget 101 document.

With a better understanding of how the budget works, you will be better prepared to make suggestions on ways we can consider making reductions that will balance our budget.

In the coming weeks we will provide you with another opportunity to share your specific ideas and suggestions through an online questionnaire. Your responses will be reviewed by the cabinet and evaluated as part of the budgeting process. We need and appreciate your input.

Sincerely,

Bill Eagle

Superintendent

More information on the Wenatchee School District Budget is available on the Finance Department website wenatcheeschools.org/budget