Did you know that OSD has received $24.7 million more in general fund resources? That’s because of the past two legislative sessions, the levy, enrollment rebound, and an increase in property taxes. So what else can we do to meet students’ needs and provide a greater level of equity among our schools? Answer: Reboundary.
🌟IT’S TIME: Did you know that in general, school districts will do a reboundary study every 5 to 10 years? The last time OSD successfully conducted one was… [checks calendar]… 1993 for Eastside schools and 1998 for Westside schools. Yikes!
🌟BALANCE OPPORTUNITIES: A reboundary study would identify options to equalize enrollment across schools and increase access to special programs. We can all agree that there are big differences in school populations and special program involvement.
🌟NO BUDGET CRISIS: Since we have these extra funds, let’s put them toward providing better access to schools for students. A reboundary is an examination of service offerings (a universal value), not purely a way to save money. But if you wanted to know, according to OSD, a reboundary can actually save the district about $500,000 annually.
A reboundary of schools would change the current landscape of our district. It would require thoughtful, well-researched data, and public input. Let’s at least explore this option before completely shuttering entire schools and creating school deserts in the hearts of Olympia neighborhoods.