Lory Benavidez

This Highly Capable Handbook outlines the Royal School District's policies and procedures for administering K-12 programs for highly capable students. It details the district's commitment to providing appropriate educational opportunities, including the identification process (referral, assessment, and selection criteria), a continuum of program services (such as differentiated instruction, enrichment, and individualized learning plans), and administrative procedures for funding, appeals, and student exit. The plan aims to address students' unique needs and capabilities from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

This document outlines district-wide goals for the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on five key areas. These include maintaining financial stability and responsible stewardship, enhancing academic press and instructional practices across all grade levels, improving literacy with a specific emphasis on English Language Learners, improving student attendance, and examining facility needs to develop a long-term plan for safe, functional, and modern learning environments by 2028.

The Royal School District No. 160 held a meeting to discuss and adopt the 2025-26 budget, four-year budget plan summary, and the four-year enrollment projection. The budget was built using educated guesses based on 4-year trends, OSPI resources, and guidance from NCESD Business Academy trainers. The meeting included a public hearing to allow input on the budget and proposed changes to enrichment funding. The board fixed and determined fund appropriations and authorized officers to take actions to effectuate the resolution.

The meeting addressed school safety with reunification training, recognized the WIAA Scholastic Award, and announced the district office's closure for deep cleaning. It included a review of the financial budget, voucher register, and personnel action items such as new hires, staff changes, summer school staff, LOA requests, resignations/retirements, and administrators' agreements. The board also discussed correspondence and reports from building and district administrators, including enrollment figures, special education, and athletics. New business included a teacher out of endorsement area, approval of the HiCap Program Plan, a football camp request, and an integrated P.E. field trip request.

The strategic goals for Royal School District for the 2024-2025 school year include improving literacy proficiency with an emphasis on English Language Learners, enhancing academic rigor and instructional practices across all grade levels, and improving attendance. The district also has a financial goal to maintain solvency and increase fund balance. Strategies to support these goals include targeted literacy interventions, strengthened curriculum, professional development, monitoring student progress, engaging parents, and legislative planning.