Douglas County School District addresses budget shortfall and legal fees concerns

The Douglas County School District Board convened on June 26, 2025, to address pressing financial concerns and legal expenses that have raised alarms among community members. A significant focus of the meeting was the district's legal fees, which have seen a stark contrast between previous and current law firms. The board highlighted that the new law firm, Lisonbee Mackenzie, has provided more cost-effective services compared to the previous firm, Joey Gilbert Law, whose fees were substantially higher.

The discussion revealed that the district has been grappling with budget shortfalls, primarily due to declining student enrollment. This trend has resulted in a loss of approximately $2.6 million in revenue for the district, as noted by board members. The financial strain has prompted the board to consider budget amendments and augmentations to address the overspending and ensure that essential services can continue.

During the public comment segment, concerns were raised by a school bus driver regarding recent pay cuts and the impact of legislative changes on their salary. The driver expressed frustration over the lack of funding and the district's decision to discard usable school supplies, suggesting that these resources could be better utilized or sold to alleviate financial pressures.

The board also discussed the implications of the SB 500 funding, which is intended to replace the now-expired SB 231 funding for salary increases. However, the new funding may not fully cover the previous salary increases, leading to further uncertainty for staff compensation.

As the meeting concluded, board members acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in light of the upcoming audit and the need for strategic planning to stabilize the district's finances. The board committed to ongoing discussions about budget management and the importance of community engagement in addressing these critical issues. The next steps will involve negotiations with unions and continued efforts to find solutions to the district's financial challenges.