MARYSVILLE — The Marysville School Board will be meeting Monday, Dec. 20, to discuss its options in cutting an estimated $1.5 million to $1.8 million from this year’s budget. The cuts are necessary due to reductions made recently by the Washington legislature and proposed budget cuts by Gov. Christine Gregoire.

“It’s been a roller coaster year – voter approval of the four-year levy in February was a huge blessing. Loss of the supplemental levy in August along with enrollment decline and some overstaffing was discouraging but doable. The promise of $2.3 million in federal Ed Jobs money in October provided encouraging news. Then came across-the-board cuts of 6.3 percent and the legislative take-backs,” said Marysville School District Superintendent Larry Nyland.

On Dec. 11, the Washington legislature acted to take back all of the federal Ed Jobs money by shorting districts in their monthly check; and half the money for smaller class size in grades K-3. For the Marysville School District, this means a loss of $2.3 million in Ed Jobs money and loss of $600,000 in funding for K-3.

Gov. Christine Gregoire announced further cuts for next year on Dec. 15 and is set to announce more recommended cuts. The impacts of these cuts on the Marysville School District is not yet known.

“We’re looking at all possible mid-year cuts,” said Nyland. “Reserves unspent budgets, vacant positions, textbooks, training, maintenance and even mid-year layoffs or reductions in sports seasons are all being reviewed. We have also invited staff and labor leaders to explore with us possible solutions that would help us sustain learning and programs.”

Teachers and principals have annual contracts so class sizes are unlikely to be affected mid-year.

The work study session will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Service Center Board Room, 4220 80th Street NE.