School district needs to tighten its belt

The recent Beachcomber article “School district officials tell legislators: Sustainability, solvency at risk” (Nov. 15) is based on a projected shortfall of $600,000.

The 2021 – 2022 school year budget is stated to be $24 million. The problem is a projected shortfall of $586,000, “if no other changes are made to how Washington state funds education”. I disagree.

The big picture is a $24 million budget. The shortfall is 2.4 percent of the total budget. I suggest the school district take a hard look at their cost structure and learn how to tighten their belts. Most entities whether a business, family residence or government agency can figure out how to reduce costs by 2.4 percent (and more). Suggesting sustainability and solvency are at risk based on a forecast of being 2.4 percent over budget is alarmist and seeking the wrong attention.

Property owners are already making the tough decisions between wants and needs, so they can afford to pay their increased property taxes, the primary source of funding for schools. The school district could do us all a favor and demonstrate how they plan to operate more efficiently to make ends meet.

— Jan Stephens