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La Conner Schools officials said a week ago Monday they are preparing for possible major funding shortfalls due to projected decreased revenue from district funding sources adversely impacted by the statewide coronavirus shutdown this spring. The excitement over La Conner entering Phase 2 of the state’s COVID-19 Safe Start plan was quelled by grim forecasts of what the next phase of local school funding might look like.

The district is bracing for potential moderate to significant budget hits, Superintendent Dr. Whitney Meissner and school board members said during a nearly two-hour June 8 video-conferenced study session.

Neither scenario is pleasant.

“We’re fearful,” board member John Agen said, “of a $1 million or more shortfall in our budget. The worst-case scenario is closer to $2 million, unfortunately.”

Agen noted that while the district maintains a reserve cash fund, such deep drops in the school’s revenue stream could translate into budget cuts affecting staff.

“None of this is easy,” he said. “This involves people’s livelihoods and income.”

Meissner said La Conner Schools, like other districts across Washington state, must contend with an uncertain financial climate in the wake of COVID-19.

“There are several pieces to it,” she said.

She said those include prospects of declining student enrollment, which is tied directly to state funding, as well as possible reductions in tribal and other state support.

“There are lots of districts,” Meissner said, “that are concerned with whether kids are coming back in the fall.”

The state’s school campuses closed in March to curb spread of the coronavirus. Since then, students have worked on take-home and on-line lessons.

Meissner said she is aware of school districts that anticipate their revenues falling off by as much as 15 per cent.

Locally, there is concern the Swinomish Tribal Community may be unable to match its traditional level of financial support for La Conner Schools.

“They have lost revenue, too,” Meissner said.

Funding is not the lone uncertainty. At the study session it was unclear as to what level of in-person instruction will be allowed this fall given the fluid status of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We don’t know what school will look like in the fall,” said Meissner. “That makes it hard for teachers to plan for the fall.”

Prior to their open discussion, board members met for about 50 minutes in closed executive session. No action was announced.

To “attend” the June 22 school board meeting: 360-301-3594.