NEWS ITEM

December 14, 2010

Message to WSLA participants regarding state budget cuts: 2010-11 workshops reduced in number

I regret needing to send this message; however, I suspect you have been expecting to hear from The Leadership Academy. As you know, the State Legislature met over the weekend and significantly reduced K-12 education funding. Cuts were deep, and were made in programs that are needed in your districts. I am sorry for the stress you must be experiencing. 

The Washington State Leadership Academy did not escape the cutting block. State funds for WSLA were reduced by 50%, effectively immediately. This drastic, sudden reduction will take some thought and planning; therefore, I am not ready at this writing to give you a list of the specific changes we will need to make for the remainder of this school year. I have met with WSLA sponsors from AWSP and WASA, and we have reviewed our revenue, funds expended to date, and funds encumbered.  Within the next few weeks, we will make decisions for reductions to the WSLA program. 

Due to private funds available to us at this time, we will be able to continue to offer you service at a reduced rate for the remainder of this school year.  Our goal is to be able to provide workshops and in-district coaching for your teams between now and June, 2011 and to continue with Year 1 teams into next school year.

We will be forced to immediately reduce the number of regional workshops we currently have scheduled, and we will need to reduce the number of in-district coaching days assigned to your districts. As a beginning, I have made a decision to take steps now to cancel the Regional Workshops listed below:

  • ESD 105:  January 26
  • ESD 101:  January 27
  • ESD 123:  January 28
  • ESD 114:  February 8
  • ESD 112:  February 15

I apologize for needing to ask you to be patient as we work on the program and budget for the remainder of this year.  I will have specific information about all necessary reductions to each of you as early as possible in January, but certainly by January 15.

Thank you for your interest in The Leadership Academy.  Although this is not a message of cheer, I would like to wish you and those you love a very happy holiday.

Sincerely,
Carol Whitehead