Budget Update and Seeking Input
Each year we have a process for adopting our district budget. Once per month, the school board is updated on our current budget. Those budget status updates are posted to our website. Starting in January, we ask our district directors and principals to submit requests for the next year’s budget. Requests are typically items that are not already funded or areas where budgets can be reduced or reallocated based on emerging needs. Our district executive team reviews those requests and continues to process them with staff throughout the spring to establish our priorities and budget recommendations.
Since the majority of our funding is provided through state dollars, we closely monitor the work of the legislature and their development of the state budget. This year, the state legislature is providing additional funds to school districts in a few key areas including enrollment stabilization, health and behavioral health services for students and cost of living adjustments for staff.
We want to provide families, staff and students an opportunity to weigh in on our district budget as we continue to work through needs and requests before we submit our budget proposal to the school board for approval in June. Your input will be helpful in identifying budget priorities. Please take a few minutes to answer the question, “As we plan for the next school year, what are the most important things we should consider in order to support all of our students?”
We will share what common themes we heard from your feedback as we continue through the budget process. Thank you, in advance, for providing your thoughts by Tuesday, April 19.
Meridian Family Support Center Now Open
We are excited to announce the opening of the Meridian Family Support Center! The family center is located in a portable at Irene Reither Elementary School (954 E. Hemmi Rd.) and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The family center can assist with basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene supplies and more. Families who’d like to visit the clothing closet which includes clothing for both kids and adults should make an appointment by contacting Alicia Roberts, family services coordinator, at 360-318-2486.
Community donations of new and gently used clothing (kid and adult), kitchenware, linens, and small appliances that are still in excellent condition can be brought to the family center on Mondays during business hours.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Meridian Family Support Center!
Accepting Nominations for Annual Awards Until April 29
We are excited to celebrate the exceptional contributions of our staff and volunteers through our Annual Awards! Anyone can nominate a staff member, team or community partner/volunteer for an Annual Award. You can learn more about each award and the Annual Awards process on our website. We are now accepting online nominations for the categories below through 5 p.m. Friday, April 29.
Award categories:
- Better Together Award
- Community Builder Award
- Early Childhood Champion
- Innovative and Inspiring Educator Award
- Outstanding Service Award
- Volunteer or Community Partner of the Year Award
Thank you for nominating someone today!