Dear Families and Staff of Maple Valley,
I have some news that I hope will be good for schools and our community.
Last night, the Governor announced that a deal had been made between the House of Representatives and the Senate for our School Aid Budget. While this is well beyond the legally required date of July 1st, it does give us a reasonable expectation that our funding will be on time for our first scheduled payment from the state on October 20th.
While we do not yet have final details from the proposed plan, and they have not yet passed through the House and Senate for the Governor’s signature, this announcement is promising.
In light of all that is still unknown, I wanted to clarify two items of immediate concern for your knowledge.
- We will continue to fund Universal School meals as they have been up to this point for the foreseeable future. We expect this portion of the budget has been retained based on the information we have received. If this changes, we will keep you informed, but for now, know that breakfast and lunch will continue as it has up to this point.
- Even if the budget is not voted through and signed by the Governor, school will remain OPEN and all students are expected and welcome to attend. Tuesday, October 1st, is also count day, so it is important that all children attend the full day to minimize ongoing tracking and paperwork and gain the state payment for their participation.
While the delays in completing this budget will likely have some repercussions in terms of grants and other funding, the bulk of our revenues will be assured. We have been informed that our legislature and the Governor will make the rollout of these funds a priority. I will continue to keep you informed of our status.
Thank you to so many of you who communicated your concern for our children’s education and welfare to our legislature. I truly believe it makes a difference.
In partnership with you all,
Dr. Katherine Bertolini
Superintendent
