The COVID-19 pandemic is leaving its mark on the district’s budget. There is a potential shortfall of $5 to $7.5 million.
Most of the shortfall is due to an enrollment decline of nearly 1,000 students and the loss of levy equalization funds from the state. The potential loss of state transportation funds and a decline in revenue generated through school lunches add approximately $3 million to the shortfall.
VPS received $5.4 million in CARES Act federal dollars, which were applied to the added costs of technology, personal protective equipment and training for teachers.
New K-12 portfolio review process for Highly Capable services
The process for identifying students for the district’s highly capable program will begin in February 2021. First, district staff will conduct a review of recent Fall and Winter iReady Diagnostic assessment data for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. The purpose of the review is to determine which students demonstrate a need for a more in-depth academic portfolio review possibly resulting in identification of the student as highly capable. Review of a student’s academic portfolio is the second step in the identification process.
Rachel Cason is the district’s education ombuds. An ombuds is a trusted individual who can assist in navigating conflicts and issues. Learn more about her and how she helps students and families.
Application period for magnet programs begins Jan. 6
The application period for the district's magnet programs and programs of choice begins on Jan. 6. See what's available for students!
First Steps Kindergarten
First Steps Kindergarten allows kids to begin kindergarten early. Students will complete a half year of kindergarten beginning in February 2021 and complete a full year of kindergarten during the 2021–2022 school year.
Why apply
First Steps is a time for children to explore and begin to find their place within a new environment as they start their transition to school. They develop critical social and academic skills that launch them toward success.
Who is eligible
Students who meet the following criteria:
Will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2021
Have not been to preschool or another early learning environment
Depending on whether most students are learning remotely or in person, winter weather could result in the following this year:
Up to two no-school days. Students would not learn remotely or in school buildings. After two no-school days, full remote learning would begin if winter weather remains.
The no-school days would likely be made up on June 17 and 18, pre-designated possible makeup days.
Full remote learning day (does not need to be made up)
Two-hour late start
Early closure/early end to remote learning
Please watch for updates. Our goal is to announce weather-related changes by 5 a.m. or as soon as possible in the event of an early closure/end to remote learning. If a two-hour late start is declared the prior evening, we will attempt to announce by 7 a.m. the following day whether the late start will stand or schools will be closed entirely.
Grab-and-go meals available
Grab-and-go meals will be offered Monday through Friday when school is in session. Students, parents or guardians can pick up meals from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the following locations:
Anderson Elementary, 2215 NE 104th
Fruit Valley Elementary, 3410 NW Fruit Valley Rd.
Ogden Elementary, 3200 NE 86th
Roosevelt Elementary, 2921 Falk Rd.
Washington Elementary, 2908 S. St.
Discovery Middle School, 800 E. 40th
Jason Lee Middle School, 8500 NW 9th
McLoughlin Middle School, 5802 MacArthur Blvd.
All children 18 years old or younger are eligible for free meals through at least December 2020. We still encourage families to apply for free or reduced-price meals. Families must reapply every year.
Bond projects update:
New classrooms at Eisenhower Elementary
See the bond-funded improvements at Eisenhower Elementary.
Suggest a name for a new school
VPS is building a new elementary school at NE 25th Avenue south of 88th Street and is collecting suggestions for the name. Everyone is welcome to submit up to two ideas. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 15.
The board of directors approved the following at their Dec. 8 meeting:
Award of request for proposal number 2020-078 for a district-wide equity audit of board policy, district programs, curriculum/assessments, district instructional practices, district hiring and placement practices, school building resource allocations and culture and climate.
In addition to regular business, the board nominating committee recommended Kyle Sproul and Tracie Barrows as president and vice president respectively. The motion was approved unanimously. The change will take place at the Jan. 12 school board meeting.
Featured tweet:
McLoughlin students make Honor Roll!
A little rain didn’t stop our Honor Roll certificate pickup today. What fun celebrating our students who earned this recognition...even through some pretty tough circumstances! #MacPioneers#VPSAmazingpic.twitter.com/M03VT9WYPE
A water main break at Columbia River High School lead to the discovery of a hidden piece of the school's past, perfectly timed as the school builds a new wing to prepare for the future.
Employee Excellence Awards are returning
VPS employees continue to demonstrate the highest levels of commitment to their students, families and one another. To recognize their hard work, the Employee Excellence Awards will return in February 2021 in a modified format.
Recipients will be recognized at the monthly Zoom board meeting. The board president will read each recipient's name, title and work location. Details of the recipients' contributions will be provided on the district website.
The Excellence Award is given to five employees and/or small teams from October to May each school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.
Our address is:
2901 Falk Rd., Vancouver, WA 98661
P.O. Box 8937, Vancouver, WA 98668
Superintendent: Dr. Steve Webb
Board of Directors: Camara Banfield, Tracie Barrows, Kathy Decker, Wendy Smith, Kyle Sproul
Vancouver School District is an Equal Opportunity District in education programs, activities, services, and employment. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, age, families with children, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The district complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Older Worker Protection Act, and all other state, federal, and local equal opportunity laws. You may also contact any of the following people by writing to them at Vancouver School District, PO Box 8937, Vancouver, Washington 98668-8937 or by calling 360-313-1000: 504 – Steve Vance; Civil Rights and Affirmative Action – Janell Ephraim; ADA and Title IX – Kathy Everidge; Title IX Elementary Schools – Debra Hale; Title IX Secondary Schools – Jim Gray.This notification can be provided in the appropriate language for communities of national origin and minority persons with limited English language skills by contacting 360-313-1250.
