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SUPERINTENDENT'S MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS LEVY |
Superintendent's Message
Rick Gantman, Superintendent
I am pleased to report three very exciting events from the Superintendent’s Corner this month: the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Levy, a community meeting in Glenhaven, and progress in the hiring of a new business manager.
M & O LEVY - I certainly hope that voters in Mount Baker School District are aware that the district is running an M&O levy. This is a proposition to our voters to provide local funds for the district to enhance our educational program beyond the bare minimum “basic education” that the state provides for. The main features of the levy are: it is for four years, the M&O tax rate will stay constant or will decrease over the four years of the levy, and the total amount that the district will collect will increase approximately 3% each year to keep pace with increasing costs of operation. My office has mailed an informational flyer, I have met with a number of community groups, and the Mount Baker Citizens for Education Committee has been active. The Whatcom County Auditor’s office has already mailed ballots to absentee voters and poll voting will take place on February 3rd. I encourage all registered voters to participate in this and in every election!
GLENHAVEN MEETING - The next event that I what to tell you about is the community meeting that Mark Venn, Assistant Superintendent, several staff members, and I held at the Glenhaven Clubhouse on January 13th. Discussion topics included: the upcoming levy, the district’s inclement weather procedures, trends in the Glenhaven community, and the possibility of tutorial services in the area. The discussion was lively; Mark and I truly enjoyed the evening. Glenhaven is a wonderful community! Please call the district office and speak with Judy Sande if you would like to invite Mark and me to meet with your community group.
BUSINESS MANAGER POSITION - Finally, I want to keep you informed about the hiring process for our new Business manager (replacing Stewart Mhyre). The job posting closed on January 16th and we have received more than 20 applications. The field of candidates is very interesting with a depth of experience in financial management. The interview process will take place at the end of January and we plan to have our new Business Manager “on board” early in February. I am very excited about welcoming a new member to the Mount Baker team!
As always, if you have any questions about the topics I discussed in this article, or any other questions or comments, please call me at the district office at 383-2000.
See also January Board Briefs
