Mar 05 2025 27 mins
I had my scheduled interview with Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee, below are some topics we covered. Mostly budget related stuff, but I did ask about things brought up by those attending the school board meetings and comments brought up on social media. Also I'm trying a new camera/sound setup.
🔹 State & Federal Funding Struggles – Rising operational costs and a significant funding gap have put pressure on Shelton schools. While the state allocates funds for utilities, insurance, and staffing, the actual expenses exceed what districts receive, forcing tough financial decisions.
🔹 Levy & Local Funding Differences – Not all districts are funded equally. Schools in wealthier areas can generate more revenue through local levies, while districts like Shelton rely primarily on state funding. This imbalance affects resources, technology, and overall student support.
🔹 Essential School Services & Budgeting – Schools provide more than just education. Maintaining facilities, ensuring security, providing meals, and funding after-school programs all come with costs. With funding shortfalls, districts must prioritize, often at the expense of valuable student services.
🔹 Federal Funding & Potential Cuts – Federal dollars support free meals and special education programs. Any cuts to these funds could disproportionately impact districts with high-need students, adding strain to already tight budgets.
🔹 School Maintenance & Repairs – Aging school buildings require constant upkeep, but limited resources make improvements difficult. Recent facility issues, including bathroom stall repairs at OBJH and vandalism, highlight the district’s efforts to maintain safe and functional learning environments.
🔹 Student Behavior & Bullying Prevention – Creating a safe and welcoming school environment is a priority. While bullying remains a concern, most conflicts stem from social struggles and external influences. The district invests in training and intervention strategies to support students and foster positive interactions.
🔹 Transportation & Bus Operations – Shelton’s school transportation operates cooperatively with Southside and Pioneer districts. While the district oversees operations, each school’s administrators are key in addressing bus-related concerns.
🔹 Planning for the Future – With ongoing legislative sessions and budget discussions, decisions made in the coming months will shape the next school year. The district continues to advocate for funding that covers the actual cost of education while preparing for summer programs to support student learning.