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Forest Grove superintendent says enrollment decline deepens budget shortfall
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Suzanne West reported the district is about 155 students below projection, warning that lower enrollment combined with rising costs will require budget reductions and further budget meetings.
Forest Grove School District Superintendent Dr. Suzanne West told the board on May 13 that the district is seeing continued enrollment loss and that the fall budget will reflect lower revenue.
"We are losing enrollment," Dr. West said, noting the district was "about 155 below our projections" compared with earlier reports. She told the board the district has been tracking the variance and will adjust full‑time equivalent (FTE) staffing levels as part of the upcoming budget process.
Why it matters: Oregon school funding is largely enrollment driven; lower student counts mean fewer state resources next year. Dr. West said average class sizes remain within district goals for now because staffing has not yet been adjusted, but reductions are anticipated as FTE is aligned with the smaller student body.
The superintendent said the district has already begun budget deliberations and scheduled follow‑up budget meetings; the board held an initial budget meeting the prior week and planned a second budget meeting the following Thursday. Dr. West also noted some legislative proposals could alter the district's liability picture and funding outlook depending on final action at the state level.
District staff encouraged board members and the public to review the budget materials in the board packet and asked the community for patience as the district finalizes adjustments tied to enrollment changes.
