South Whidbey School District facility usage to be discussed at meeting

The South Whidbey School District will hold the first of a series of community meetings regarding facility usage and programs over the next few years at 6:30 p.m. May 18 in the South Whidbey High School commons. The district’s objective is to solicit input as to how the school board should move forward with a shrinking budget due a district-wide decline in enrollment. Fewer monies from the state are allocated with less enrollment.

The South Whidbey School District will hold the first of a series of community meetings regarding facility usage and programs over the next few years at 6:30 p.m. May 18 in the South Whidbey High School commons. The district’s objective is to solicit input as to how the school board should move forward with a shrinking budget due a district-wide decline in enrollment. Fewer monies from the state are allocated with less enrollment.

Superintendent Jo Moccia said the meeting will provide information on how the district currently uses its facilities, the expected enrollment over the next five years and a timeline for decision making. Moccia said she expects impacts to begin occurring in 2017 and beyond, but what those might be is unknown. Potential changes could include renting out or selling facilities. The district currently rents out several buildings, and additional facilities could be added to that list.

“We’re going to work on a timeline and that’s part of the outcome of this meeting,” Moccia said. “They’re looking for the community’s input. It’s not going to be about voting.”