Numbers have always been a part of Steinar Kristoffersen’s life. From his days as an economics major at the University of Washington to his work as a medical manufacturer, numbers played a role in his day-to-day business.
Now, as the co-creator and program supervisor for the Mount Vernon-based Skagit Family Learning Center, Kristoffersen is making use of his skills to keep his home-based learning program budget in the black during rough economic times for area school districts.
“Change happens all the time” Kristoffersen said. “The budget is only one of the areas it’s having a significant impact on and we need to be able to finance growth and increase services to students to make sure we can last.”
With a number of Skagit County school districts facing budget cuts for the 2008-2009 school year, the Skagit Family Learning Center — an alternative education program associated with Mount Vernon School District — operates well within its modest budget. The program, which just concluded its fourth full year, is mostly self-sufficient, requiring only basic education dollars to operate.
While most school budgets have been hammered by increases in teacher salaries, transportation costs and unfunded state mandates, Skagit Learning Center has a different, more cost-effective approach to education.
The school receives state funding through the district like any other area school. Unlike traditional schools, Skagit has less than 10 paid staff members. Parents hold most of the teaching responsibilities, and use a combination of certified and contracted teachers to keep students on track.
Having parents volunteer their time is the biggest key in keeping the school operating without financial strain, Mount Vernon School District finance director Jennifer Larson said.
“It’s cost-effective because parents provide the curriculum,” Larson said.
Parents work with teachers to create an individual learning plan for each student. Working together, the parents and teachers can offer a personalized education tailored to each student’s needs.
“There’s a lot of parent involvement,” Kristoffersen said. “Our parents have decided that they’re going to be the primary educator of the child. If they don’t follow through, it simply doesn’t work.”
Unlike other alternative and traditional schools, which are cutting programs, Skagit Family Learning Center has steadily increased enrollment since becoming a part of the Mount Vernon School District in February 2004. The center was originally part of the Oak Harbor School District when it opened in fall 2003.
“We’ve built a lot of sweat equity,” Kristoffersen said. “Volunteers and ourselves put in thousands of hours to get this started. We didn’t have any front money put up (by the school district). We’d put in 1,500 hours before we’d even gotten a ‘Yes.’”
During that time period, the school’s enrollment has increased from about 40 students to nearly 150 this past year. Meetings have evolved from Kristoffersen, his wife Melissa and a few volunteers working out of a rented church building to volunteers and teaching staff meeting with parents in the bottom floor of the district’s transportation building.
Skagit receives about $4,600 per student, Larson said; 85 percent of which goes directly toward the program’s costs. The other 15 percent pays for district services and building costs.
The program’s growth comes during a time in which districts are clamping down on non-essential or alternative learning programs due to other increasing costs.
The Mount Vernon School Board is looking to cut approximately $1 million from next year’s budget — some of which could come from eliminating the district’s involvement with Mountain School, an outdoor-based education program.
School officials in Sedro-Woolley are estimating $5 plus per gallon fuel costs next year, and have discussed how to account for those increasing prices.
The Burlington-Edison School District could see food prices increase from 10 to 20 percent if projections hold.
Meanwhile Skagit’s increasing enrollment and stable budget will allow Kristoffersen and other administrators to hire two additional teachers next year in science and math, as well as another staff member to help out with assessment.
For more information on the Skagit Family Learning Center, call 360-428-6206.
Keeping the costs at home
This article has been viewed 127 times
Discuss This Story
Previous Story• Mount Vernon set to raze buildings |
Next Story• B-E could seek to cut $800,000 from next year’s budget |
More Local News
Top Jobs
Love iPods, GPS and Cell phones? Join our team! Full or Part time at Anacortes dealer store. Apply at…
CAREGIVERS NEEDED! PT NAC/NAR with current CPR and First Aid. Mental health and dementia training a plus.…
Foundations Formsetters wanted. Exp. or will train. Wage DOE + benefits. 293-8387; Fax 293-8352
Assistant Bookkeeper Owner of a fast paced retail store seeking P/T assistant to help w/bookkeeping &…
#2008-707 AVID College Role Model TUTOR at the Anacortes School District. This position is open until…
Admin. Asst. 20 - 30 hrs/wk. Experience preferred but will train. Tammie @ Washington Iron Works, Inc.,…
WA State Dept. of Agriculture is seeking a P/T POTATO INSPECTOR for the Mt. Vernon area. Applications…
Database / Marketing Specialist We are seeking your excellent people skills to assist in our Marketing…
Meat Cutter Trainee Up to $795 a week! Work 50-60 hrs a week, year round, for lots of overtime pay! English…
Cheesemaking Opportunity in Bow. Will train, P/T or F/T option. PO Box 202, Bow, 98232 or cheese@ rootabaga.com…
#2008-603 2 Bus Drivers for the Anacortes School District. These positions are open until filled. Screening…
Dominos Pizza Drivers Wanted. Get cash every shift. 18 or older. Apply in person 1600 E. College Way.…
FRONT DESK HELP Good PR skills a must. Apply in person. Islands Inn, Anacortes
Marine manufacturing and repair. Hiring laminator's, patch & detail. Min. 2 yrs exp. Call (360)398-1328…
ASSEMBLY $10-$10.50 hr Mon-Thurs, Friday off! Small electronic parts, clean, casual friendly environment.…
Per Dona Salon and Spa is under new ownership and looking for a P/T or F/T Spa Coordinator/ Receptionist…
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 32+ hrs/wk. Qualifications: Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program.…
CNC MACHINIST Fast Paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @ Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Must Know MasterCam,…
Licensed Vet Technician position available in busy small animal practice. Must be self-motivated and…
JOB SHOP MACHINIST Fast paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Manual Machines…
HOUSECLEANERS wanted Mon.-Fri. for established Anacortes business. Must have vehicle & WDL. (360) 293-2349,…
FARM TRUCK & TRACTOR OPERATOR. Valid drivers lic. req'd. 360-724-3375
AUTO MECHANIC wanted with experience. Must have own tools. Contact Steve at 360-856-2866
Administrative Assistant Meridian Center Electric is currently taking applications for our full time…
La Conner Channel Lodge now accepting applications for Housekeeping Staff Flexible work days and a great…
RNs $2,000 sign-on bonus! LPNs $1,500 sign-on bonus! Bring your skills to a beautiful Cascade setting.…
Specialty medical office seeks Clerical/ Receptionist F/T, Mon-Fri. Position req's organization, professional…
Line Cook & Host/Counter Person Apply in person at Seed's Bistro or Calico Cupboard
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
The Skagit Valley Herald is now hiring for: OUTSIDE ADVERTISING SALES Join our dynamic Outside Sales…
Marketing Assistant Full-Time Do you enjoy working with elderly people? We are seeking a gracious individual,…
TABLE GAMES DEALERS Base Pay & Tips 1 skilled $7.00/hr. 2 skilled $7.75/hr 3 skilled $8.50/hr 4 skilled…
GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION The Skagit Valley Herald has an immediate opening in our graphic design department…
Receptionist Looking for a receptionist to join our cosmetic skin care center. Must be enthusiastic,…
Director of Nursing Skilled Nursing Facility with Nursing staff of 60 in a beautiful Cascade setting.…
Here we Grow Again! We are expanding our sales team. Must have excellent communication and customer service…
FOSTER CARE RESOURCES P/T Case Manager. Seeking professional person with good interpersonal skills, sound…
LPN NOC shift, wanted for MV dementia care residence. Very competitive wages. Benefits & a pleasant work…
PERSONAL LINES CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT: Wycoff Insurance is looking for a full time Personal Lines Customer…
911 Dispatchers We train. Start $17.62. Apps @ www.skagit911.com Return Mon-Thur 7am-4pm to 2911 E.College…
JEWELRY SALES AND JEWELRY MANAGERS, F/T, self motivated, custom design and more! 360-707-5444
CNAs $1,000 sign on bonus Exciting new nursing mgmt ready for you to bring your skills to a beautiful…
REFINERY MAINTENANCE Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the following positions at its Anacortes refinery:…
Immediate openings for Washboard Laundry. Apply in person: 1806 Riverside Dr, MV
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
2 DISTRICT ASSISTANTS 20+ hours a week. Job duties include but are not limited to: 4AM - 8AM $8.50/hour…
Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Starting wage at $13.00. Applicants must be…
Training & Development Manager Whidbey Island Bank is seeking applicants for a Training & Development…
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 36+ hrs/week, M-F, 8-5 to work in the surgery scheduling dept. Looking for an individual…
YMCA Early Learning and After School centers in Mount Vernon & Anacortes now hiring for the following…
OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT Looking for an organized person w/ the ability to multi-task, must have customer…
Courier/Drivers F/T positions avail. Union pay & benefits. Call 360-707-5391
Due to growth and promotions, Josephine is hiring. RN's LPN's - $2500 Sign on Bonus Afternoons 2pm-10:30pm…
Draft Pic's Sports Bar& Grill now hiring experienced Line Cook Top pay. Apply in person. 516 S. First…
WE ARE HIRING!!! MARINE MECHANICS Preferred candidates will be MerCruiser or Volvo certified & have 3+…
CAREGIVERS NEEDED! PT NAC/NAR with current CPR and First Aid. Mental health and dementia training a plus.…
Foundations Formsetters wanted. Exp. or will train. Wage DOE + benefits. 293-8387; Fax 293-8352
Assistant Bookkeeper Owner of a fast paced retail store seeking P/T assistant to help w/bookkeeping &…
#2008-707 AVID College Role Model TUTOR at the Anacortes School District. This position is open until…
Admin. Asst. 20 - 30 hrs/wk. Experience preferred but will train. Tammie @ Washington Iron Works, Inc.,…
WA State Dept. of Agriculture is seeking a P/T POTATO INSPECTOR for the Mt. Vernon area. Applications…
Database / Marketing Specialist We are seeking your excellent people skills to assist in our Marketing…
Meat Cutter Trainee Up to $795 a week! Work 50-60 hrs a week, year round, for lots of overtime pay! English…
Cheesemaking Opportunity in Bow. Will train, P/T or F/T option. PO Box 202, Bow, 98232 or cheese@ rootabaga.com…
#2008-603 2 Bus Drivers for the Anacortes School District. These positions are open until filled. Screening…
Dominos Pizza Drivers Wanted. Get cash every shift. 18 or older. Apply in person 1600 E. College Way.…
FRONT DESK HELP Good PR skills a must. Apply in person. Islands Inn, Anacortes
Marine manufacturing and repair. Hiring laminator's, patch & detail. Min. 2 yrs exp. Call (360)398-1328…
ASSEMBLY $10-$10.50 hr Mon-Thurs, Friday off! Small electronic parts, clean, casual friendly environment.…
Per Dona Salon and Spa is under new ownership and looking for a P/T or F/T Spa Coordinator/ Receptionist…
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 32+ hrs/wk. Qualifications: Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program.…
CNC MACHINIST Fast Paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @ Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Must Know MasterCam,…
Licensed Vet Technician position available in busy small animal practice. Must be self-motivated and…
JOB SHOP MACHINIST Fast paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Manual Machines…
HOUSECLEANERS wanted Mon.-Fri. for established Anacortes business. Must have vehicle & WDL. (360) 293-2349,…
FARM TRUCK & TRACTOR OPERATOR. Valid drivers lic. req'd. 360-724-3375
AUTO MECHANIC wanted with experience. Must have own tools. Contact Steve at 360-856-2866
Administrative Assistant Meridian Center Electric is currently taking applications for our full time…
La Conner Channel Lodge now accepting applications for Housekeeping Staff Flexible work days and a great…
RNs $2,000 sign-on bonus! LPNs $1,500 sign-on bonus! Bring your skills to a beautiful Cascade setting.…
Specialty medical office seeks Clerical/ Receptionist F/T, Mon-Fri. Position req's organization, professional…
Line Cook & Host/Counter Person Apply in person at Seed's Bistro or Calico Cupboard
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
The Skagit Valley Herald is now hiring for: OUTSIDE ADVERTISING SALES Join our dynamic Outside Sales…
Marketing Assistant Full-Time Do you enjoy working with elderly people? We are seeking a gracious individual,…
TABLE GAMES DEALERS Base Pay & Tips 1 skilled $7.00/hr. 2 skilled $7.75/hr 3 skilled $8.50/hr 4 skilled…
GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION The Skagit Valley Herald has an immediate opening in our graphic design department…
Receptionist Looking for a receptionist to join our cosmetic skin care center. Must be enthusiastic,…
Director of Nursing Skilled Nursing Facility with Nursing staff of 60 in a beautiful Cascade setting.…
Here we Grow Again! We are expanding our sales team. Must have excellent communication and customer service…
FOSTER CARE RESOURCES P/T Case Manager. Seeking professional person with good interpersonal skills, sound…
LPN NOC shift, wanted for MV dementia care residence. Very competitive wages. Benefits & a pleasant work…
PERSONAL LINES CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT: Wycoff Insurance is looking for a full time Personal Lines Customer…
911 Dispatchers We train. Start $17.62. Apps @ www.skagit911.com Return Mon-Thur 7am-4pm to 2911 E.College…
JEWELRY SALES AND JEWELRY MANAGERS, F/T, self motivated, custom design and more! 360-707-5444
CNAs $1,000 sign on bonus Exciting new nursing mgmt ready for you to bring your skills to a beautiful…
REFINERY MAINTENANCE Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the following positions at its Anacortes refinery:…
Immediate openings for Washboard Laundry. Apply in person: 1806 Riverside Dr, MV
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
2 DISTRICT ASSISTANTS 20+ hours a week. Job duties include but are not limited to: 4AM - 8AM $8.50/hour…
Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Starting wage at $13.00. Applicants must be…
Training & Development Manager Whidbey Island Bank is seeking applicants for a Training & Development…
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 36+ hrs/week, M-F, 8-5 to work in the surgery scheduling dept. Looking for an individual…
YMCA Early Learning and After School centers in Mount Vernon & Anacortes now hiring for the following…
OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT Looking for an organized person w/ the ability to multi-task, must have customer…
Courier/Drivers F/T positions avail. Union pay & benefits. Call 360-707-5391
Due to growth and promotions, Josephine is hiring. RN's LPN's - $2500 Sign on Bonus Afternoons 2pm-10:30pm…
Draft Pic's Sports Bar& Grill now hiring experienced Line Cook Top pay. Apply in person. 516 S. First…
WE ARE HIRING!!! MARINE MECHANICS Preferred candidates will be MerCruiser or Volvo certified & have 3+…
