Reduced Education Plan

A special board meeting was conducted to address Resolution 11-23-24: Petition to Budget Receivables.

Over the past few months, the School Board has provided guidance and approved additional elements to the Reduced Education Plan in order to create a budget. We will continue to update the district website as additional changes or details are available. We also know this information will help families make informed decisions as school starts.

On July 18, 2024, the board held the monthly meeting to address sports fees, facility fees, the status of the Reduced Education Plan budget and projected budget for 2024-2025.  The board also selected the replacement for Board Position #1.  We welcome Frank King to the board.

On June 13, 2024, a Special School Board Meeting was held at Ridgeline MS at 6pm. A recording has been provided which includes updates to the Reduced Educational Plan approved by the board.

The May 23, 2024, School Board Meeting was held at Ridgeline MS at 6pm. A recording has been provided which includes updates to the Reduced Educational Plan approved by the board.

Dear Yelm Community Schools Families and Staff,

I want to express my gratitude to all those who participated in our recent efforts to gather feedback and ideas for our Reduced Education Plan. Your engagement, whether through completing the online survey or attending the community forum, has been invaluable in shaping our path forward.

We received an overwhelming response with over 1700 individuals contributing their perspectives through the survey and nearly 400 attendees actively participating in our community forum. Your input is guiding us as we navigate these challenging times, and I want to assure you that your voices are being heard.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of meeting with each School Board member to present the comprehensive feedback we gathered from the forum. Together, we are committed to thoroughly reviewing all suggestions and exploring potential cost-saving measures and revenue opportunities.

To ensure transparency and accountability, we will be posting the insights and ideas shared during the community forum on our Reduced Education Plan page on the school district website. This will provide everyone with visibility into the ongoing discussions and considerations.

I'm pleased to announce that today, we have initiated the staff recall process. We understand the importance of this step in maintaining continuity and stability within our school community. The process will be conducted in accordance with the collective bargaining agreements, prioritizing seniority and qualifications for the available positions.

At this initial stage, our focus is on recalling Special Education teachers and Transportation staff. Over the coming week, we aim to extend the recall process to include general education teachers and paraeducators.

While this process may take some time to unfold, please know we are working diligently to expedite it while ensuring fairness and adherence to established protocols.

Once again, thank you for your support and collaboration during this challenging time.

Thanks,

Chris M. Woods
Superintendent

On Thursday, May 16, Superintendent Woods will host a community forum to share the feedback from the Reduced Education Plan Budget Priorities Survey.  There will be round table discussions hosted by district staff to reflect on the information and provide additional comment.

The event will be at Yelm Middle School Commons starting at 6pm.

The School Board will vote to approve the Reduction in Force proposal as part of the Reduced Education Plan.

Thurston and  Pierce Counties will certify the ballot measure and post information on their websites.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Reduced Education Plan Budget Priorities Survey which is open until 6pm on Monday, May 13.

Superintendent and staff will provide an update to the board, timeline of the reduction process and how the district will seek feedback from stakeholders.

Dear Yelm Community Schools Families,

Today, I write to you with an update that bears both disappointment and a call to action. Despite our collective efforts and the dedication of many within our community, we unfortunately did not receive the levy results we were hoping for.

First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who dedicated your time, treasures, and talents to support our efforts in passing this crucial ballot measure. Your commitment to our schools and our students is truly commendable, and though the outcome may not have been what we hoped for, your contributions have not gone unnoticed.

As we move forward, we must prioritize our students' well-being and academic success above all else. This means approaching the decisions ahead with thoughtful consideration and a focus on long-term sustainability. While some choices may require quick action to address immediate needs, others may necessitate thorough deliberation to ensure we make the best possible choices for our community as a whole.

I understand that this may be a challenging time for many of us, filled with uncertainty and unanswered questions. However, I firmly believe in the strength of our community and our ability to overcome adversity when we stand together. Together, we can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger, more resilient, and more united than ever before.

In the coming days and weeks, I encourage you to stay informed, engaged, and involved in the decisions that will shape the future of our schools. Your input, ideas, and perspectives are invaluable as we work towards creating a brighter tomorrow for our students and our community as a whole.

Once again, thank you to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication to Yelm Community Schools. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.