Nespelem sets budget for school

Still worried about a possible lack of money coming in after the Legislature’s late decisions in double overtime last month, Nespelem School District Superintendent Mary Hall told school board members Monday it’s going to be a fiscally tight year.

The board passed budgets totalling nearly $5.4 million, including the general operating budget for $4.57 million, and a capital (major building expenses) budget of $695,200.

Hall advised the board the district could end up paying for some items from reserves as the state lets go of funds later than usual due to the Legislature’s fight over how to fully fund education under the state Supreme Court’s McCleary decision.

Watching those funds will be up to someone new in the district, however, and that was an unknown Monday night. Business Manager Tanya Bunting resigned, effective July 31, to take a similar position in Oaksville, Washington.

In other business, the board approved the hiring of Jerry Brown to teach fourth grade. Brown has previously taught five years at Pascal Sherman Indian School near Omak and was highly recommended by personnel there, stated board Director Nancy Armstrong-Montes.

The board also approved hiring Desirée Bear Eagle as a full-time counselor and Twila Desautel as a special education paraprofessional.

After a closed executive session, the board also directed Hall to pursue discussions with an attorney regarding a complaint of unprofessional conduct.