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David Douglas superintendent warns of staff reductions amid uncertain state funding
Summary
Superintendent Ken Richardson told the board that projected state revenue is not yet secure and the district is planning reductions that could include a small number of teaching and classified positions; county and city partner cuts could reduce services the district relies on.
Superintendent Ken Richardson told the David Douglas School Board on Thursday that the district is planning personnel and program changes while state and local funding remain uncertain.
Richardson said the district is using a working revenue figure of about $11.36 billion statewide but emphasized the number "is not, quote, unquote, secured yet." He asked board members and the community to continue advocacy at the state level, saying the figure could move if lawmakers alter revenue or spending priorities. The superintendent highlighted two state funding issues: the special-education "sped cap" (the district receives roughly 11% of special-ed funding now and officials are seeking an increase toward 15%) and low reimbursement rates for high-cost disabilities.
Richardson also told the board that Multnomah County has flagged possible reductions to programs the district relies on, specifically school-based mental‑health services, SUN (after-school) programs, youth and family services and housing case management. He said the City of Portland's recommended budget proposed eliminating the city's support for SUN programs provided through Portland Parks.
On reductions inside the district, Richardson said district leaders currently estimate about 3 to 5 full‑time equivalent positions at elementary schools may be reduced after enrollment and budget reviews; middle schools may lose one position each (down from an earlier draft of six); and the high school plan totals about 10 FTE combining licensed and classified staff. He said some reductions may be covered by open vacancies and by offering impacted classified employees other available positions (for example MECP, special‑education or bus driving openings), but acknowledged that reassignment is not always feasible.
Richardson said the district will communicate with affected staff in April. He also flagged federal-level uncertainty around Title I funding and the possibility that changes would affect district budgeting.
The superintendent briefly described another new administrative item: a heat‑illness prevention plan the district must align with Oregon OSHA standards; the plan will include a threshold discussion for when high heat could prompt school closure. He said the draft will be shared with unions and the board for input.
