UPDATED: COVID Funding At Lake Washington School District

During COVID, some staff worked exceptionally hard and were heroes, others had less timely jobs and were paid beyond their need.  For example, why would you need a full-time Director for Certified Talent Acquisition during COVID?  His salary is ~ $177,150. (There are five other HR Directors.)

During the November 15th LWSD school board meeting, Chief Financial Officer Barbara Posthumous presented the annual "Legislative Priorities" report.  She rattled off some interesting statistics, including shortfalls to be made up by taxpayers.

LWSD fully funds Special Education,  In 2021 - 2022 the District shortfall was $18M. 26% of the Levy covers this shortfall

• Despite federal COVID "ESSER" funding, the District had to use additional $6.5M carryover for funding COVID.
• COVID expenses to the District were $14M.  The State and Feds funded $8M.  (21-22)

Social/Emotional Support  (FTE = Full Time Employee.)

• Counsellors:  State FTE 61. District FTE 73
• RN, Psychologists, Mental health specialists, State FTE 7, District FTE 37
• Student Safety: State 6 FTE, District 73 FTE. The District pays excessive amounts on safety as compared to other Districts. 

ESSER Funding = Federal COVID funding to support safe, sustained reopenings and operations. 

• The feds awarded ESSER funds of $409.64/pupil for a total of $12,756,000.  The grant is exceptionally below the State average owing to the District's "free and reduced lunch" poverty data.  North Shore, Mercer Island, and Issaquah Districts also received low funding. 

COVID Costs:  $14M expensed, $8M State and Federal support (21-22.) 

• Health and Safety
• Staff and Support - exceptional Director compensation
• Remote Learning
• Materials
• Curriculum
• Instructional Support for Children in Quarantine. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/22/2021