Fewer federal funds expected for school

The Nespelem School District has plenty of cash right now, but fewer federal funds may be coming for the year than previously planned.

The district, which budgeted for the year based on an expected enrollment average of 110 students, has seen that number at 133 this year. Financial officer Tanya Bunting told the board Monday night that the district is in a good cash position currently, but cautioned that federal Impact Aid funding may not come in as expected.

The district's budget includes about $800,000 of Impact Aid income, about 40 percent of the total, Superintendent Rich Stewart said Tuesday.

Stewart said federal officials are advising that districts should expect about 65 percent of what they would normally. The district had budgeted based on an expectation of 75 percent of the sometimes-uncertain income source. Stewart said the district wouldn't find out how much Impact Aid is coming for the current year until April.

Nespelem and the Grand Coulee Dam School District jointly apply for Impact Aid, Stewart noted.

Anna Vargas was sworn in as the newest director of the Nespelem School District Monday. Vargas, who has served for several years on the school's Parent Advisory Committee, replaces Zekkethal Vargas-Thomas on the board.

In other business, the Associated Student Body is considering re-opening a "goody store" it has operated in the past as a fundraiser, with an emphasis on selling school supplies. The group is also starting a Krispy Kreme donut fundraiser. Students presented the ideas to the school board Monday, which the board approved.