Centennial School District outlines budget challenges and Roadmap '27 strategic plan

The recent Budget Committee Meeting for Centennial School District 28J highlighted significant financial challenges and strategic planning efforts aimed at ensuring the district's long-term stability. As the district grapples with an ongoing structural deficit, officials emphasized the necessity of targeted budget reductions to maintain essential services for students.

During the meeting, Director Southerton presented the district's strategic plan, known as Roadmap '27, which was developed over several months during the 2022-2023 school year. This plan serves as a guiding framework for the district, aligning stakeholders around a shared vision and common goals for educational success. A comprehensive equity audit was conducted as part of this initiative, assessing equitable access and outcomes for students. The audit involved extensive input from students, families, and staff, which played a crucial role in shaping the district's four-year priorities.

A key focus of Roadmap '27 is the profile of a graduate, outlining the essential knowledge and skills every student should acquire by graduation. Stakeholder groups have been convened to define how these competencies will be developed across various grade levels, ensuring a cohesive educational experience from early learning through high school.

Financially, the state school fund remains the primary revenue source for Oregon schools, with the governor proposing a total allocation of $11.36 billion for the upcoming biennium. However, due to declining enrollment, Centennial anticipates only a 4.3% increase in revenue, which falls short of covering rising expenses. The district has strategically built a robust ending fund balance to mitigate the impact of funding fluctuations, but the gap between service costs and available revenue continues to widen.

The meeting also addressed the conclusion of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund, which provided critical support during the pandemic. With these funds no longer available, Centennial will need to rely more heavily on state and local funding sources to support student services, particularly in special education.

In summary, the discussions at the Budget Committee Meeting underscored the district's commitment to financial prudence while striving to enhance educational outcomes. As Centennial School District navigates these challenges, the focus remains on aligning budgetary decisions with the strategic goals outlined in Roadmap '27, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.