PORT TOWNSEND — Funding extra remedial classes at Blue Heron Middle School was the only suggestion given to the Port Townsend School District board Monday on how to spend state Initiative 728 funds.
Janice O’Reilly, a teacher and representative of the Port Townsend Education Association, questioned funding the Saturday School program, saying teachers favored moves that would reduce class sizes.
I-728 provides funds to reduce class sizes, extend learning programs, expand teacher training and make building improvements directly related to the other parts of the program.
The initiative, approved by 72 percent of voters statewide in 2000, is funded by lottery proceeds, existing property taxes and budget reserves.
O’Reilly, an eight-year teacher at Blue Heron, was the only speaker during Monday night’s required public hearing before the School Board.
“Many teachers favor smaller class sizes over Saturday School,” O’Reilly said. “It would be nice if the staff could have some input.”
Superintendent Carol Andreason said Saturday School will probably have to be eliminated if it isn’t funded with I-728 money because the federal entitlement that currently pays the $14,000 annual cost is going to end.
“It’s the only way we can fund it,” Andreason said.
