Holly Budge

This document outlines the strategic approach to financial stewardship for Kelso School District. It focuses on promoting budgetary and fiscal transparency through open communication, community engagement, and the utilization of a Budget Advisory Council. The plan emphasizes effective allocation of district resources to support academic and operational needs, monitoring expenditures, and maintaining local levies. The overarching goal is to align budget priorities with the district's mission, vision, and strategic plan, ensuring efficient management of resources to support student learning and success.

The Kelso School District's Communication Roadmap aims to foster open, collaborative, and transparent communication with all stakeholders to strengthen trust and increase support for district programs and initiatives. Key strategic goals include maximizing community awareness and support through diverse media, enhancing effective internal communication for staff and students, and achieving coordinated communications with local, regional, and state agencies for safety preparedness and crisis management. The plan seeks to ensure timely and relevant communication, positive media presence, and increased engagement, ultimately leading to greater confidence in district safety and increased community and regional partnerships.

This roadmap outlines the Kelso School District's strategic direction, focusing on cultivating a safe, caring, and inclusive school climate and culture. Key pillars include improving school climate and inclusion, increasing student and family access to mental health services, implementing a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Support-Social Emotional Learning (MTSS-SEL) model, providing a Workplace Wellness Program for staff, and ensuring safe and secure learning facilities. The plan aims to support the growth and long-term development of each student through strong relationships and rigorous learning.

The Early Learning Roadmap for Kelso School District aims to ensure all students achieve or exceed grade-level standards in English language arts and mathematics by the end of third grade through high-quality early learning opportunities. Key strategic areas include implementing comprehensive birth to pre-kindergarten and kindergarten transition plans, improving school readiness, increasing student achievement in TK-3rd grade, fostering community partnerships, coordinating professional development, utilizing curriculum and social-emotional learning frameworks, and implementing new district curriculum.

The meeting included a work session focusing on SEL and Wellness, followed by a regular board meeting. Key items on the agenda included communications, correspondence, introductions, and audience participation. The consent agenda covered minutes from the November 17, 2025, meeting and work session, employment recommendations, contracts, warrants, activity requests, and a donation request. New business included a budget update, a WSSDA conference report, board officer elections, committee assignments, and the superintendent's report. The board also discussed and approved policies related to accommodating students with adrenal insufficiency, key functions of the board, organization and election of officers, evaluation of the superintendent, board self-assessment, and standards for individual school directors. Presentations were given on Coweeman Elementary School achievement and the Family & Community Resource Center. The board also approved the 2025-2026 KSD School Improvement Plans and a resolution for the WSSDA annual conference. Updates were provided on the legislative assembly and various district initiatives.