Should OSD make strategic cuts?

posted 07:41 PM 05/13
Link this article here.

TJ Johnson, a member of the committee that wrote the Olympia School District's most recent strategic plan, came to the Olympia School Board meeting on Monday to say that he had hoped that the recently-adopted (in January) Olympia School District 2008-2012 strategic plan would have played some part in creating the list of possible cuts that the district officials have drawn up. He expressed disappointment in the process so far, saying that the district's release of the "random" list of possible cuts has resulted in groups of parents coming out to circle the wagons around their beloved programs.

So, does consideration of the strategic plan give people some common ground from which to start trimming $2.5 million to meet an $83.2 million budget? Here's the district's strategic plan, and here's the district's Web page on the budget.

--- Venice Buhain, Olympian education reporter

A columnist thinks about what I-884 could have done...

posted 06:02 PM 05/12

A political writer argues that the $1 billion from the defeated I-884 would come in handy right now for the state's schools -- and he wonders what could have been, had it received stronger backing from the WEA.

Tuesday night's Olympia SD meeting was pretty crowded

posted 10:38 PM 05/06

A cast of hundreds have participated in the Olympia School District's 2008-09 budget.

Can you tell the difference between a high-achieving, gifted or creative child?

posted 10:47 PM 05/06

A researcher has a handy chart/checklist for gifted/highly motivated/creative children that has been often cited.

OSPI candidates speak to state PTA

posted 02:45 PM 05/01

Election season means forums with the OSPI candidates.

North Thurston supporters will march for schools and votes

posted 06:00 PM 04/29

Semler gets endorsed by WEA PAC

posted 10:35 PM 04/28

A summary of the latest in the OSPI race.

What the numbers show about Rochester's change of heart

posted 05:26 PM 04/25

Does the change in the way Rochester voted on its school levy mean anything for North Thurston?

Can veggies help a hyperactive child?

posted 06:05 PM 04/29

What the public wrote at a public forum for Oly School Board candidates

posted 07:39 PM 04/07

What the public had to say at a public forum for the candidates.

iPods and HD monitors in a school district contract?

posted 04:32 PM 04/02

iPods and HD monitors in a school district contract?

Should students or parents be responsible for college costs?

posted 03:30 PM 04/01

Who should be responsible for college costs? The FAFSA implies an answer.

Will young people vote this year?

posted 12:30 PM 03/31

How many days until they walk?

posted 06:27 PM 03/27

A look at the graduation requirements of the class of 2008.

Agency reports Washington dropout rates

posted 06:48 PM 03/25

Denver Post Praises "Autism: The Musical"

posted 03:38 PM 03/24

Praise for documentary "Autism: The Musical," which will be on HBO.

College campuses are safer than they were 10 years ago, according to federal statistics

posted 07:51 PM 03/18

Bureau of Justice Statistics say that crime on college campuses went down betweem 1995 and 2005.

Time to submit information for Summer Camps

posted 12:07 PM 03/06

A heads up to summer camp counselors and activity coordinators: We're planning our annual listing of South Sound summer camp offerings.

NT levies still going down --- where are the pockets of support?

posted 12:40 PM 02/27

Will individual precinct results have an effect on the next North Thurston M&O levy?

Now Stanford looks affordable

posted 11:26 PM 02/20

Stanford becomes more affordable, after a new tuition program for students of families that make under $100,000.

Educate a fourth grade class on the great state of Washington

posted 02:22 PM 02/11

Healthy families and eating dinner: chicken or egg question?

posted 11:39 AM 02/07

Link to a NPR story about eating dinner as a family.

Resources for Black History Month

posted 11:45 AM 02/07

A list of a few resources for Black History Month.

How will the presidential primary affect school levies?

posted 12:22 PM 01/29

How will changes to the ballot affect the school district levy elections?

No Child Left Behind left behind in presidential debate?

posted 04:14 PM 01/17

We have a link to candidate positions on NCLB.