PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School District board of directors commenced belt-tightening for the 2025-2026 school year by unanimously approving a resolution to cut $1.981 million in spending to meet an anticipated budget deficit.
“It’s never pleasant to reduce budget, but it’s necessary and it put us in a better place next year,” Superintendent Marty Brewer said.
Brewer stressed that no one would be laid off as part of Thursday’s action.
“It’s never easy to reduce staff, but we’re not going to be issuing RIF (reduction in force) notices because all of these come by way of resignations and/or retirements,” he said.
The reduction comes after a two-year drop in enrollment and increasing staffing costs and inflation. This year, the school district implemented a freeze on spending for non-essential items and on hiring.
“We’ve had a challenging year, but we’ve done the best we could under the circumstances,” Brewer said.
Further cuts could occur if the federal government reduces or eliminates funding for Title 1, the program that supports schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families, as well as for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding, which supports students with special needs.
The resolution approved by the board can be found at tinyurl.com/y2fmcu4y.
In the annual transportation report to the board, interim transportation director Aaron West said the school district would receive $2 million in funding for the 2024-2025 school year from the state office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
West praised the transportation team for its work. Every day, drivers travel 1,600 miles transporting students to and from school — more than 327,000 miles last year, he said.
“It is impressive what they put themselves through on a daily basis to make sure those kids are safe and that they have everything they need getting to school and home,” he said.
The department is seeking substitute drivers to fill in on routes when district employees are not available, West said. Those interested can call 360-452-9714.
Meanwhile, Stevens Middle School Principal Melissa McBride introduced eighth-graders Grayson Rodocker and Aleida Palacios as students of the month.
The board passed resolutions recognizing May 7 as National School Nurse Day and May 5-9 as Teacher Appreciation Week.
Ground work for the new Stevens Middle School should begin within the next few weeks, Brewer said. Request for proposals for a bid package for concrete and other work are now available. He said that, on May 20, the first bond sale of $30 million to fund the construction of a new Franklin Elementary School and Port Angeles High School will be issued.
Michaela Clancy, Ed.D., is the school district’s new director of special services. She will oversee programs and services for students with learning, physical and other disabilities, as well as those who are homeless, to ensure their access to education adheres to state and federal laws.
Clancy previously was the executive director of student services in the Dieringer School District.
In June, Rhonda Kromm, the acting director of special services and Jefferson Elementary School Principal, will become the new assistant superintendent.
Kindergarten registration
Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year in the Port Angeles School District is now open.
Families with children who will be 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2025, can begin the registration process by downloading a registration packet at tinyurl.com/3rezx2p9 and returning it to the child’s assigned school.
Registration packets can also be picked up at schools. Those unsure of which school their child will attend may call the district office at 360-457-8575.
To register, families will need proof of the child’s age, legal name (birth certificate, passport or other acceptable document) and immunization records (or an exemption form, if applicable).
Children must meet all immunization requirements prior to the first day of school. Details about required vaccinations are available on the district website at www.portangelesschools.org/learning/kindergarten.
Transportation information will be available in August. Families with questions about bus routes can contact the district’s transportation department at 360-452-9714.
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
