School district plans $20 million staff cuts amid funding shortages

The Bellevue School District is facing significant staffing cuts as part of a plan to address a projected budget shortfall of $20 million. During the Regular Board Meeting on February 6, 2025, district officials announced plans to eliminate between 110 to 130 positions across the district, including 40 to 49 positions from the central office and approximately 70 to 100 positions from school buildings. This decision comes as the district grapples with the expiration of federal ESSER funding, which had previously supported various educational initiatives.

The cuts are expected to save the district between $5 million and $7 million from central office reductions alone, which will include the elimination of 5 to 8 leadership roles and a reduction of 25 to 30 certificated staff. The operational staff will also see a decrease of about 10 to 11 positions, contributing to the overall savings.

Superintendent's commitment to reducing central office expenses was highlighted, with plans for continued furloughs and contract holdbacks until the district's financial situation stabilizes. The superintendent acknowledged the impact of these cuts, particularly on school operations, noting that the majority of the district's budget is allocated to school services.

The meeting underscored the challenges faced by the Bellevue School District, reflecting a broader trend seen in other districts across the state, where similar staffing reductions have been implemented in response to financial constraints. As the district moves forward, the focus will remain on maintaining support for students, particularly those in need, despite the difficult decisions ahead. The district is actively seeking additional funding sources to mitigate the impact of these cuts and ensure continued educational support for its students.