The Kelso School District has published the results of a budget survey conducted last month.

According to the district, the survey was designed to allow members of the community to share their priorities ahead of necessary budget reductions. The survey had 923 participants, with 61% of them being parents/guardians, 36% district staff, 2% community members, and 1% students.

The top priority mentioned in the survey was special education and inclusion. Participants expressed a desire to ensure adequate support for special education students and to maintain inclusive practices. Other priorities included student support and services, class sizes and staffing, academic excellence and curriculum, budget transparency and communication, extracurricular activities and sports, teacher retention and compensation, and safety and security.