Camas School District faces enrollment decline and budget cuts amid housing market challenges

The Camas School District is facing significant challenges as it navigates budget reductions and declining enrollment, as discussed during the School Board meeting on June 23, 2025. The district is anticipating a budget shortfall of approximately 10 to 12%, primarily due to factors such as declining student numbers, inflation, and competitive labor market pressures.

Enrollment trends are particularly concerning, with projections indicating a continued decline through the 2028-2029 school year. The district's demographer has reported that public school enrollment in Washington state has decreased by about 4%, while private school enrollment has surged by 25%. Homeschooling has also become a major competitor, with enrollment rising by 42% since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Camas, the district has seen a 1% drop in enrollment, translating to a loss of 71 students, which equates to a revenue loss of approximately $1.3 million.

The rising cost of housing in the area is contributing to these trends. The median home price in Camas has reached $852,000, a 5.2% increase from the previous year. This steep pricing makes it difficult for young families to afford homes, potentially impacting their decisions to enroll their children in local schools. The average interest rate for mortgages in the region is around 6.8%, further complicating the housing market for potential buyers.

Despite these challenges, district officials are focusing on maintaining quality education and personalized attention for students. They believe that smaller class sizes resulting from declining enrollment could enhance the educational experience. The board is committed to exploring options to align staffing with enrollment trends while preserving essential programs and choice options for students.

As the district moves forward, it will need to address these pressing issues to ensure that it can continue to provide quality education and support for its students and families. The implications of these discussions will be critical as the district prepares for the upcoming school year and beyond.