School District Plans Staff Reductions Amid Estimated 2 Percent Enrollment Decline

The Evergreen School District is facing significant financial challenges as it projects a 2% decline in student enrollment, prompting the need for substantial staff reductions to address a projected budget shortfall. During the School Board meeting on August 12, 2025, district officials outlined a plan to cut approximately $11.5 million in expenses, which will likely result in the elimination of around 62 staff positions. This is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the district's fund balance, aiming to increase it from 2.5% to 3.5% in the coming year.

The financial forecast indicates that without additional state funding, the district will need to make further reductions in subsequent years, totaling nearly $7 million and $6.9 million in the following two years, respectively. These cuts are necessary to counteract the effects of declining enrollment and rising inflation, which have strained the district's budget.

Board members expressed concern over the lack of significant changes in per-student funding from the state, despite advocacy efforts for increased support for special education and operational costs. The district currently receives about $11,000 per student in state funding, while spending approximately $14,000 per student, highlighting a growing financial gap.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of funding disparities across districts, particularly affecting smaller districts that struggle with limited resources. As enrollment declines, the fixed costs of maintaining staff and services remain, creating a challenging financial landscape for the Evergreen School District and others like it.

In conclusion, the Evergreen School District is at a critical juncture, needing to implement significant budget cuts while advocating for better funding from the state to ensure the continued support of its students and staff. The board's commitment to addressing these issues will be essential as they navigate the upcoming fiscal challenges.