Federal review of digital programs halts funding

“Our incident response team immediately convened directors, affected principals, and staff to assess the situation and determine next steps,” he said.

The incident provided “a valuable opportunity to activate our incident response plan, apply practices we had rehearsed, and gain important learning from experience,” Newton said. “As we have witnessed from other communities, wildfire emergencies can occur quickly, emphasizing the importance of our team being prepared to respond at a moment’s notice if the need arises.”

The fire was contained later that afternoon.

Budget news

Budget committee members are now encouraged to observe the monthly finance advisory committee (FAC) meetings to stay up to date on the district’s finances.

“This change is intended to give committee members a stronger understanding of our financial position well before budget deliberations in the spring,” Newton said.

FAC meetings are public and used to provide more in-depth information on some of the more complicated budget issues. The meeting schedule is on the district’s website.

Still addressing the budget, he said that in accordance with Oregon Budget Law, the district typically schedules one committee meeting, with a second held only if it is not ratified.

“There has been a tendency to try and approve the budget at the first meeting. However, many felt this approach was rushed, leaving limited time for questions, review, and feedback, especially on some of our more complicated and challenging issues,” Newton said.

Now, the district will hold both meetings — the first to provide context and allow for discussion and feedback, and the second focused on addressing questions and incorporating feedback before moving to a vote — to allow for a more thoughtful process.

Digital equity

Switching topics, Newton said that he recently learned of a program for the district’s most underserved students is at risk of being reduced by the federal government. Called E-rate — or Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Program — it provides affordable broadband access for schools; HRCSD uses E-rate funds to supply 50 wifi hotspots to families who cannot afford internet service.

“They are not optional conveniences, they are essential tools for learning, enabling access to digital platforms, homework, and communication with teachers,” he said. “Without them, 50 of our students would lose the ability to fully participate in their education.”

The district also receives E-rate reimbursement for 80% of its internet expenses, wide-area network, and wifi, around $100,000 annually. “It is upon us to ensure that we continue to advocate for and receive this funding that provides equitable access for our students and families,” Newton said.

Last was an update on the district’s Oregon Digital Equity Plan grant application. HRCSD has been notified of the application’s acceptance. However, federal funding for this program is under review, which means no funding will be distributed.

“We are closely following this situation and will remain in touch with the state as they work to resolve the issue behind the scenes,” he said.

He finished encouraging letters to representatives and senators, asking them to press the Federal Communications Commission “to continue funding E-rate at its current levels and reject the proposed reductions.”

“Please lobby your legislators on behalf of the E-rate program,” Vice Chair David Stuben later echoed. “We need funding for that. Reach out to your legislators, voice your concerns [and] be an advocate.”