Superintendent Jessee talks with Jeff Slakey about the budget and a variety of issues

1. Budget Challenges and Rising Costs (0:00 - 7:16)
I sat down with Shelton Schools Superintendent Wyeth Jessee and the first topic was the financial pressures the Shelton School District is facing. Operating costs, like utilities, payroll, and maintenance, have increased significantly, but state funding hasn’t kept pace. He broke down how the district is dealing with deficits in areas like special education, transportation, and substitute teachers. Inflation has only made these gaps wider, and it’s not just a Shelton problem—districts across the state are feeling the same strain. Wyeth emphasized that the district has tried to get ahead by making cuts early, but the challenges are still overwhelming.

2. Advocacy and Unfunded Mandates (7:17 - 13:01)
We also talked about the mandates that come from the state and federal government. Wyeth explained how districts are required to meet specific expectations, like offering mental health services or supporting students with disabilities, but the funding doesn’t cover the costs. It’s a tough spot because these services are important, but districts end up scrambling to fill the gaps. Wyeth pointed out that while lawmakers talk about supporting education, the budgets don’t always reflect those priorities. He stressed the need for advocacy at every level to make sure schools get what they need.

3. Levy Limitations and Community Contributions (13:01 - 15:15)
Wyeth and I spent some time discussing local levies and how they’re a key part of funding schools. He explained the challenges with levy caps and how communities like Shelton can’t raise as much money as wealthier areas. Even though the district is allowed to ask for a higher rate, Wyeth said they have to balance what the community can afford. He shared how this creates tough decisions for districts like Shelton, where the assessed property values just don’t generate enough revenue compared to other areas.

4. Staffing and Strategic Adjustments (15:15 - 17:31)
Another big topic was the staffing and budget cuts the district is making to balance the books. Wyeth shared how they’ve already scaled back on substitute teachers, travel, and even heating costs. But, despite these cuts, they’re working to preserve key services like mental health support and safety personnel. He talked about the challenges of reducing staff while still meeting the district’s goals around literacy and social-emotional support for students.

5. Oversight and Accountability (17:31 - 20:29)
I asked about oversight and how the district ensures its financial practices are solid. Wyeth explained that they work closely with auditors, the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and regional education support teams. He also talked about how inflation and multi-year contracts have added to the financial pressures, making it even harder to plan budgets. It’s clear they’re doing everything they can to stay accountable while dealing with these challenges.

6. Shelton Promise: Tuition-Free College Opportunity (20:29 - 27:45)
One of the most exciting things we talked about was the Shelton Promise. This initiative allows graduates of Shelton School District in 2024 and 2025 to attend Evergreen State College tuition-free. Wyeth explained how this partnership came about and how it’s designed to give local students more access to higher education, especially those who might not think college is affordable. On top of tuition, there’s a sliding scale for housing and other costs, making this a huge opportunity for families. It’s a great example of how the district is working to create more opportunities for students.

7. Community Engagement and Future Plans (27:45 - 28:17)
As we wrapped up, Wyeth encouraged the community to stay involved and ask questions. He reminded folks that school board meetings are a chance to voice concerns, even if there isn’t a lot of back-and-forth during the meetings. He also welcomed questions to be sent his way, so the district can continue to address the issues that matter most to the community.