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La Conner School board members went on retreat Monday to plan a path forward for the 2022-23 academic year, addressing a wide range of discussion topics – from finances and goal setting to maintenance priorities and student enrollment– during a three-hour afternoon in-person public session at the Swinomish Casino conference room.

The dozen agenda items included reports from district business manager Brian Gianello and operations and planning director Bobby Vaughn.

Gianello had good news, reporting that an infusion of $852,000 in state funds to replace old Braves’ mascot logos that do not comply with state legislation banning school imagery deemed offensive to Native Americans. The monies from Olympia will make that happen.

Since Gov. Jay Inslee signed Debra Lekanoff’s (D-Bow) bill into law, the district has adopted a new Coast Salish inspired Braves mascot design created by alum Jeanette Quintasket.

Gianello also presented a plan meeting the goal of maintaining a fund balance equal to 10 per cent of the annual budget of almost $1.3 million. It requires a capital improvement projects budget of $110,000, not $200,000.

The $90,000 difference means repairs will be paid from the general funds for water leaks and damage to the Braves Club building, water seepage in the auditorium, removal of trees encroaching on campus structures and replanting costs related to the tree removal.

Boosting student enrollment gains additional state funding. The number of students has declined, falling from around 650 prior to 2010 to a projected 530 enrollees this fall, resulting in staff cuts and a budget $1.5 million below last year’s.

Marketing the district to families whose children attend K-8 campuses such as Immaculate Conception and Conway to bring them to La Conner rather than Mount Vernon’s high school is an option.

Promoting student achievement, equity, community engagement and civility topped the list of new school year goals.

Revising the district’s cell phone policies to reduce the threat of cyberbullying as part of a strategy promoting civility to curb bullying is being discussed.

Curricula and strategies designed to boost student self-esteem and encourage tolerance, factors that can decrease bullying are in place, Nelson said.

Eleanor Drews, one of the board’s two student representatives, took an active role in the retreat discussions, frequently asking questions and offering a student perspectives. Drews, now in her second year with the board, said she is ready to carry a heavier load.

“Last year,” she said, “was about me understanding my role. I would like to do more this year.”

Board chair Susie Deyo and member John Agen suggested that Drews and her fellow student rep, Taylor-Rae Cayou, take on specific policy projects during the year.

The district is continuing to try to make up ground lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of establishing connections with the community.

“We’ve lost some of those connections, they went away during COVID and we haven’t got back to them,” Cram said.

Deyo recalled past homecoming bonfires that drew hundreds of community members, as an example.

“What opportunities should we think of to further connect students to the community?” she asked.

Nelson and board members said the district’s emphasis is to connect students to the ideals of academic curiosity and critical thinking daily.

"We want every student,” said Nelson, “to be a lifelong learner.”