Public speaks to School Board during 1st of 2 forums following failed levy

FERNDALE, Wash. — Ferndale School Board directors and district staff met with about 150 members of the community Saturday, February 22nd, at Vista Middle School during the 1st of 2 forums after a replacement levy with a $2.50 mil rate failed to get voter approval earlier this month.

Board President Andrew McLaurin read a prepared statement that he had previously given during an emergency special meeting of the board, Monday, February 17th.

Assistant Superintendent Mark Deebach gave a presentation explaining what staff and program reductions were anticipated in the absence of the levy revenue or with an approved levy with a mil rate of $1.50 (mil rate is a tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value). This presentation, provided below, was an update of one given by Superintendent Linda Quinn during the February 17th meeting.

Following the presentation, the public was encouraged to submit questions and comments, both orally and written, which will be considered as the board decides what action to take at it’s next regular meeting on Tuesday, February 25th.

The following are videos of some comments (randomly chosen) made by attendees during Saturday’s public forum (Videos: My Ferndale News).

There is another public forum scheduled for 6:30pm, Monday, February 24th, that will also be held at Vista Middle School for those unable to attend Saturday’s.