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SUPERINTENDENT'S SECRET HARBOR & MBSD |
February, 2006
Rick Gantman, Superintendent
On Dec. 19, 2006 Mt Baker School District learned that Secret Harbor had purchased land on Mosquito Lk Rd and plans to operate a residential treatment center for up to 24 boys from ages six to eighteen. Secret Harbor serves children who have a combination of severe behavioral, social, developmental, learning or emotional problems.
Mount Baker School District is concerned about the educational needs of the children Secret Harbor serves and wants to ensure that all the necessary planning takes place to provide appropriate educational programs for the children, and that no negative impact is experienced by Mount Baker schools. Examples of required planning include, but are not limited to, educational program development, financial management, staffing, transportation, and support services. Educational program development must follow the process that the Mt Baker School District Board of Directors requires.
Financial planning is also critical for success. This planning must occur to ensure that the additional costs that will be experienced are covered by additional revenue. Mt Baker School District has been doing an excellent job maintaining an outstanding educational and co-curricular program during a time of spiraling costs. Any additional financial burden, such as the addition of 24 high-needs, high-cost, un-funded students, will have a significant negative impact on our programs.
Mt Baker School District desires to work with Secret Harbor, state and local agencies to develop the educational program and financial plan that will ensure an appropriate educational program for Secret Harbor children. The planning necessary must allow the district to continue its current programs and cause no negative impact on Mt Baker schools, programs, staff or students.
The Mt Baker School District cannot allow any outside influence to jeopardize our current educational and co-curricular programs. Absent the excellent planning that is required, Mt Baker School District will take any steps necessary to make sure that no negative impacts are experienced by the district.
~Rick Gantman~
