Central Kitsap School District wants help with spending I-728 funds

"Initiative 728, passed by Washington voters last fall, mandates that lottery funds, property taxes and budget reserves go to schools. Now the Central Kitsap School District, and schools across the state, must decide how to spend the new money allocated by the Student Achievement Initiative.The initiative authorized local school boards to make those decicion, but required them to seek input from the public first.Whenever a school district is faced with the potential to spend money -perhaps $1.2 million in this case - it's important that the public, who makes it possible for us to exist, gives us their input, said Central Kitsap School Board member Carl Johnson. The Central Kitsap School District is required to conduct two public meetings to qualify for the funds. Both will be Thursday, April 11, at the Jenne-Wright Administration Building. The first will be at 3:30 p.m. for CK staff, and the the second will be at 7 p.m. for the community. The public can attend either meeting.We want as many people in the community as possible to attend one of the meetings, Johnson said. He added that the meeting likely will include a presentation about the initiative's background and the scope of its power, followed by a public comment period. Johnson recommended visiting the district's Web site (www.cksd.wednet.edu) to review the initiative before attending the meeting. How much money will be allocated to Central Kitsap schools is up in the air until the Legislature adjourns. School districts may use Student Achievement funds for the following areas:* To reduce class sizes in grades K-4.* To make selected class size reductions in grades 5-12.* To provide extended learning opportunities for students in grades K-12.* To provide additional professional development for educators.* To provide early assistance for pre-kindergarten children.* To provide improvements or additions to school building facilities directly related to student achievement efforts. "

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