Gadsden ISD superintendent warns of budget squeeze, proposes consolidating Berino Elementary

Superintendent Dempsey said Monday evening that Gadsden Independent Schools faces a budget challenge linked to falling student enrollment and uncertain state funding, and recommended the district consider consolidating Berino Elementary as one step to avoid layoffs.

Dempsey told parents and staff, “We’re here tonight to have a conversation about the financial health of Gadsden ISD. The good news is, right now, we’re in a really good place,” and added he is “looking down the road” and sees “trouble” if the district does not act to reduce personnel costs.

The nut graf: Dempsey presented enrollment figures showing a drop from about 13,120 students in 2018 to roughly 11,351 today and said unit-value increases from the state have offset some losses in recent years but may not continue. He urged the community to consider consolidation and other measures — including a voluntary retirement incentive and reassigning programs and staff — to avoid an abrupt reduction in force (RIF) later.

At the meeting, Dempsey reviewed…