School District outlines 2025-2026 budget amid declining enrollment and rising costs

In a recent meeting held by the Forest Grove School District 15, key discussions centered around the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting the challenges and strategic decisions facing the district. As the meeting unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and responsibility, reflecting the complexities of managing educational resources in a post-pandemic landscape.

The district's budget development process for the 2025-2026 fiscal year was a focal point, with officials emphasizing the need to balance finite resources against the growing demands for student support. Notably, the district has seen an increase in staffing for mental health and counseling services, a response to the heightened needs of students emerging from the pandemic. This shift has resulted in a significant rise in full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, from 56 to 72 in administration alone, underscoring the district's commitment to addressing mental health challenges.

As discussions progressed, the financial implications of state funding were scrutinized. The proposed state school fund stands at approximately $11.4 billion, a figure that the district is cautiously using as a planning principle. However, with declining enrollment and reduced reimbursements for high-cost disabilities, the district is adopting a conservative budgeting approach to avoid potential mid-year financial crises that have plagued other districts.

The meeting also touched on the complexities of collective bargaining, which is expected to impact expenditures significantly. Officials noted that the cost of staff remains the district's largest expense, and negotiations with staff associations are ongoing. Additionally, the district is preparing for mandatory curriculum adoptions, which occur every seven years, with costs that can reach up to a million dollars for each adoption cycle.

Looking ahead, the district is optimistic about potential legislative support, including a proposed bill that could provide an additional $200 million for high-cost disability reimbursements. This funding could alleviate some financial pressures, particularly as the district grapples with a special education population that exceeds 15% of its student body.

As the meeting concluded, the overarching theme was clear: the Forest Grove School District is navigating a complex financial landscape, balancing the urgent needs of its students with the realities of limited resources. The decisions made in the coming months will be crucial in shaping the educational experience for students and ensuring that the district can meet its commitments to both staff and the community.