Accuracy and transparency in school bond process is paramount, so I would like to clear up comments from Ms. Knowles’ and Mr. Ambler’s letters that are not accurate.
The enrollment figures that create our funding source from the state are audited and verified by the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Education. I can see how someone coming to one board meeting and taking away what can sometimes be a huge packet of data, could easily misunderstand the numbers. It is complex, and we are fortunate to have a staff and administration that keeps impeccable track of this data so that our district is fully accountable. I’d appreciate the chance to go over these packets if anyone has questions, so misinformation doesn’t get presented to the public as fact.
The other item I’d like to correct is in Mr. Ambler’s letter. The part-time business manager position was not newly created. The school district used to have a fulltime person five years ago. Her retirement and complexity in state accounting and reporting caused the district to contract with the services of the Educational Service District in Anacortes. It was with the understanding that returning to a local manager at some point would be in the best interest of the district. The manager we have been sharing with other school districts could only be here one to two days a week, which is not enough hours to get everything done.
The ESD felt it was time for us to begin to transition to our own business manager. Keith Whitaker was not a sitting board member when he took the position. He resigned from the school board in March. Following his resignation, he applied for the part time business manager position. A committee composed of the members of the Budget Advisory Committee and district office staff interviewed the applicants and selected Keith. The board approved his appointment in May. I’m sorry that you have gotten the wrong impression of these things you have mentioned in your letter. Please contact me if you’d like to discuss anything else.
Scott Lancaster
OISD Board President
