While it is still unclear what form school will take here in the fall, one thing is certain. La Conner Schools will operate under a slimmer, balanced budget of nearly $12.7 million, crafted in response to COVID-impacted revenues and expenditures. That is down from last year’s $12.9 million.

The La Conner School Board unanimously adopted its 2020-2021 financial game plan at its monthly meeting, following a 30-minute video-conferenced public hearing Monday night.

Washington state school districts must prepare their budgets in July for their next fiscal year. This summer’s budget sessions were challenged by the pandemic, which closed campuses in mid-March and affected revenue streams that support them.

For 2020-2021, interim La Conner Schools Superintendent Rich Stewart and district officials anticipate some decreased revenues and a modest dip in student enrollment, a key source of state funding.

The school district is planning on 585 pupils this year, down from last year’s daily average attendance of 602.

Revenues will be about $12,690,000, over $230,000 less than last year. Budgeted expenditures have been trimmed by $443,900 to $12,656,100. Last year’s budget was not balanced.

The Swinomish Tribal Community has informed La Conner Schools that it will reduce to between $500,000 and $600,000 its annual $660,000 contribution due to its own revenue shortfalls related to COVID-19.

The district is saving money by not filling the secondary assistant principal post vacated by Kathy Herrera when she was named La Conner Middle and High School principal following the resignation of Todd Torgeson this spring. She remains the district’s athletics director.

Stewart is setting a budget tightening example: As a retire/rehire he is paid $75,000 with no benefits and is limited to how much he can work. Deyo estimates the school district expects to save $120,000 in salary and benefits.

“I’m comfortable with this budget and believe it has enough flexibility,” Stewart assured board members, comparing the approved document to a road map with alternate routes.

“It’s a plan, a journey through the school year,” Stewart stressed.

The budget also reflects a transfer of $200,000 from the general fund to capital improvements, as requested by Board President Susie Gardner Deyo. She is concerned about upgrades to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system; the kitchen and roof repairs.

“I think that’s great news,” Deyo said of the transfer. “Obviously, it’s important that we put money into the capital budget.”

Deyo announced that three candidates for the vacant Shelter Bay director district seat will be interviewed Aug. 3. Danny Hagen, Reb Broker and Jeremy “J.J.” Wilbur have offered to replace Brad Smith, who resigned in June.