In brief

School funding presentations set

School funding presentations set

Because school funding can be a confusing topic, the Snoqualmie Valley School District has organized community meetings to help the public understand school financing and the challenges that school districts are facing at the local and state levels.

The first presentation, “State Education Funding Crisis,” will address how K-12 public education is funded in Washington and how school districts are responding.

Guest speaker Kelly Munn, League of Education Voters state field director and Issaquah Council PTSA legislation chair, will present a “big picture” perspective on state education funding, including a historical understanding, current requirements, and future legislative considerations. The district will also give an overview of how the Snoqualmie Valley compares with other districts across the state.

That meeting is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 in the Mount Si High School auditorium.

In anticipation of significant cuts needed to balance the 2009-10 district budget and the potential of upcoming legislation requiring even deeper cutbacks, district administrators will also give a presentation on funding challenges specific to Snoqualmie Valley schools. Topics will include funding sources; how the money is spent; what’s driving the district’s budget shortfall for 2009-10; and where the district has discretion on spending and cuts.

The same presentation will be offered twice on Monday, Nov. 17: once from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the district’s administrative office, and again from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Snoqualmie Middle School’s commons area. The district office is located at 8001 Silva Ave. in Snoqualmie; Snoqualmie Middle School is located at 9200 Railroad Ave. S.E. in Snoqualmie.

The district also plans to post an online presentation about school funding on the district Web site, www.svsd410.org, sometime in December.

Women’s group to hold meeting

Women of Vision will hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Julie Duim’s home in Snoqualmie. For directions or information, call (425) 396-4547 or e-mail to theduims@hotmail.com.

Flood insurance meeting in Valley

Homeowners who carry flood insurance, or are thinking about purchasing it, can attend an informational meeting with LeslieAnn Gray-Melville, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regional manager.

The meeting, hosted by the city of Snoqualmie, is 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at the Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 S.E. Snoqualmie Parkway. Discussion topics include the increased cost of compliance procedures, rating of flood insurance policies, the community rating system and lender requirements. Visitors may also ask about their flood insurance concerns. To learn more, call Lauren at the city planning department, at (425) 888-5337, or e-mail to lhollenbeck@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us.