School Budget Committee Addresses Enrollment Declines and Special Education Funding Challenges

The Forest Grove School District 15 held a budget meeting on May 15, 2025, to discuss significant financial challenges and proposed reductions in staffing and curriculum funding. The meeting highlighted ongoing enrollment declines and the impact of state funding issues on special education resources.

District officials reported that enrollment is expected to continue declining before stabilizing over the next few years. This trend has raised concerns about the sustainability of funding, particularly for special education, which has seen cuts in recent years. The district's leadership indicated that any legislative efforts to increase funding are unlikely, which could further strain resources for essential services.

A key point of discussion was the reduction of 11 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in classified staff, which includes instructional assistants. Despite a 6% decrease in overall enrollment, the district has seen a 56% increase in classified staff over the past decade. Officials emphasized that the reductions are necessary to align staffing levels with current enrollment figures while maintaining equitable support across schools.

The budget committee also addressed a proposed $86,000 cut in the curriculum and instruction budget. This reduction will affect various curriculum adoption plans, including training and materials for subjects like science and literacy. While the district aims to continue these adoptions, the cuts will limit the pace and extent of implementation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to monitor staffing changes closely and to make adjustments based on attrition and vacancies. The district plans to engage in deficit spending in the upcoming biennium, which raises concerns about long-term financial stability. The next steps include public comments and a vote on the proposed budget, with the district's leadership stressing the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the educational needs of students.