Centennial School Board discusses sustainable budget strategies amid projected deficits

Centennial School District 28J is taking proactive steps to manage its budget amid anticipated deficits, as discussed in the recent Budget Committee meeting. The district is implementing a plan to insource services, which is expected to yield significant long-term savings. Superintendent Owens highlighted that these savings should increase over time, as insourcing typically costs less than outsourcing.

The district is currently projected to face a $2 million deficit in the upcoming budget year, which will reduce its ending fund balance from $18 million to $16 million. This is still above the board's policy target of maintaining a 5 to 15 percent ending fund balance, which equates to approximately $12 million. The committee is committed to addressing the budget gap through a combination of spending reductions and utilizing surplus funds.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of budget cuts on staff and services, particularly in light of larger districts like Portland Public Schools facing drastic reductions. However, Centennial's leadership reassured stakeholders that the district is in a better financial position, with a more manageable deficit compared to the significant cuts being proposed elsewhere.

The district plans to continue advocating for improved state funding for education, particularly for high-cost disability services. This advocacy is crucial as it will influence future staffing and budget decisions. The committee emphasized the importance of a gradual approach to budget adjustments to avoid sudden impacts on teachers and services, aiming for a more sustainable financial strategy moving forward.