Heavy impact aid is given to schools who have large amounts of taxable military and tribal land.  In 2008-2009, CKSD received $6.5 million in heavy impact aid. Two years later, the district was denied any more heavy impact aid, preventing the district from providing basic needs for the students, school and education system.

“Looks like the settlement was in our favor,” Stephen Coons, principal of CKHS said. “It all hinged on methodology of calculation of military impacted families in CK and how levy dependent we were as a district.” He also said he believes a contributing factor was U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell visiting us last spring.

Since 2011, CKSD has spent about $300,000 in costs relating to the aid. CKSD has five years of losses against the DOE (Department of Education). On February 19th, the district is expected to drop its lawsuit for $14 million over federal heavy impact aid denied to CKSD in 2011-2014.

The old act “No Child Left Behind” was replaced by “Every Student Succeeds” act in the new education bill. Senator Patty Murray is fighting for the district and is attempting to get the $14 million for CKSD. Given the agreement with DOE and the Every Student Succeeds Act, the district should be eligible for funds 2011-2014.

The lawsuit was settled; the district isn’t sure what yet to do with the restoration, but are happy with the outcome.