By Bill Reynolds

La Conner Community News

La Conner School Board members at their June 22 meeting unanimously approved a new two-year contract with Superintendent David Cram, who is widely credited with having guided the district back to fiscal stability following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under terms of the pact, Cram will be paid $179,950 annually from July 1 through June 30, 2028.

The board cited Cram’s success in leading La Conner Schools out of state-imposed binding conditions, an oversight mechanism put in place when districts are in financial distress.

As evidence of the turnaround directed by Cram, La Conner Schools finished the 2025-26 academic year with a cash balance at the Skagit County Treasurer’s Office of nearly $700,000 and full-time enrollment of six students above what was budgeted.

Student enrollment, Cram has noted, is the main driver of state funding support of Washington state’s public school districts.

“We think you’re doing a great job,” board president Susie Deyo told Cram after the panel voted to approve the contract. “We think you’re doing an outstanding job and it’s due to you and the work of your (administrative) team.”

The board also expressed appreciation for the work of its public safety partners, praising members of La Conner Hook & Ladder, Fire District 13, Swinomish Police and the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office La Conner detachment.

Cram and Deyo each expressed appreciation for Sheriff’s deputies directing traffic at Sixth and Morris following La Conner High’s June 11 commencement exercises.

“We do appreciate whenever you’re at the corner,” Deyo said to Sgt. Ben Hagglund, the La Conner detachment’s new supervisor. “We’d also like to formally invite you to any of our sports events. It’s always nice to have you there.”

In addition to Cram, board members at the briskly-paced 30-minute session also approved contracts for district classified employees and extracurricular events coaches and advisers.

Board members also approved retiring a small 2010 bus that most recently had been used to house timing equipment during track meets at Whittaker Field.

Speaking of Whittaker Field, Cram reported that its oval has been pressure washed in preparation for this summer’s resurfacing project, which is scheduled for completion in late July. Until then, the facility will be closed, he said.

In July the board also anticipates purchasing 20 new staff computers. Members have authorized purchase of 80 student computers, at $499 per device, using funds donated earlier this year by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.