The Ketchikan School Board meets in regular session Wednesday, and will talk again about state funding for schools.
According to a memo from district Business Manager Katie Parrott, the district received notice earlier this month that the first FY20 foundation funding payment from the state would be delayed. That’s the result of a disagreement between the Legislature and the governor regarding forward funding of state money for K-12 public education.
Parrott writes that, for now, the district is in a good position to wait for those funds, because of cost controls put in place last year. If the district does need funds before the state distribution, she writes that they could request already-approved Ketchikan Gateway Borough funds to be released earlier than usual.
In her report, Parrott also notes that building insurance costs for the district have gone up about 77 percent due to a reappraisal of school buildings. That’s a cost difference of just under $100,000. The borough pays for the district’s property insurance as an in-kind donation.
Parrott writes that general liability insurance rates also are going up by about $70,000. Those costs, along with increased health insurance costs, are paid for through the district’s budget.
Also Wednesday, the board will vote on revisions to board policies related to public complaints, part of an ongoing effort to review and update district policies.
An executive session is planned at the end of the meeting to discuss contract negotiations with Special Service Professionals.
Wednesday’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. in borough assembly chambers at the White Cliff Building. Public comment will be heard at the start and end of the meeting.
