The La Conner School District continued its fiscal rebound as officials closed the books on the 2024-25 academic year with a general fund balance of $1,149,563.11, about 8.3% of its $13.8 million budget, moving closer to the school board’s 10% reserve goal and maintaining independence from state financial oversight. Superintendent David Cram told the board at its Monday meeting that strong reserves helped the district weather a six-week federal government shutdown that delayed about $1 million in federal impact aid, though he warned of possible funding disruptions when the current continuing resolution expires Jan. 30.
The school board also organized its leadership for 2026, re-electing Susie Deyo as president, naming Alana Quintasket vice president, appointing Kim Pedroza as legislative liaison and John Agen as liaison to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. Trustees recognized fall sports coaches, honored student musicians selected to the San Juan Music Educators Association Senior Honor Band, and heard a positive report on the elementary school’s WIN (What I Need) literacy program, which dedicates 30 minutes a day, four days a week to targeted reading support.
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community departments and programs will be closed for the holidays and winter break from Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, with normal operations resuming Jan. 5, but Swinomish Health Services will operate on a modified schedule. The Medical Clinic will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22–Jan. 2, closed Dec. 24–25 and Jan. 1, with an after-hours call line at (360) 466-3167 and medication room closures for staff events midday Dec. 17–18. Skidmore Pharmacy will offer regular hours and deliveries Dec. 22–23 and Dec. 29–31, shorter holiday hours Dec. 24, and will be closed Dec. 25–26 and Jan. 1. The Dental Clinic and Behavioral Health will both be closed Dec. 22–Jan. 1 but will monitor voicemail to help triage urgent needs; Behavioral Health clients in crisis should call 911 or 988 and press “4” for a Native counselor. The Fitness Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, 26, 29, 30 and Jan. 2.
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is closing the qyuuqs News Facebook page and moving all tribal news to its main Facebook page, Swinomish Senate. Community members are encouraged to follow the Swinomish Senate page to stay updated on news and announcements.
