Board approves contingency steps, conditional instructional-hour changes and staff reductions tied to May levy outcome

Marysville Board of Education members on March 20 approved a set of contingency measures that will take effect only if the May 6, 2025 school levy does not pass. The actions include a conditional reduction of instructional hours at elementary and Creekview Intermediate schools, a memorandum of understanding with the Marysville Education Association on K–6 planning time, and both certified and classified staff reductions or suspensions tied to implementing the contingency plan.

The board voted to reduce daily instructional time by 30 minutes at the elementary schools and Creekview Intermediate School for the 2025–26 school year if the levy fails and the district implements its contingency plan. Creekview’s new tardy bell would become 9:05 a.m. with a 3:15 p.m. dismissal; elementary schools’ tardy bell would be 9:45 a.m. with 3:55 p.m. dismissal. The reductions were approved as a resolution conditional on levy failure.

The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Marysville Education Association that states, if the May levy does not pass, the 200 minutes of K–6 certified staff preparation time will be scheduled prior to the student school day for the 2025–26 school year.

Board members then approved a certified reduction-in-force list that identifies program and course areas that would be reduced under the contingency plan (including cuts in art, music, physical education and a range of middle- and high-school electives and advanced courses). The board also approved a resolution to suspend certain classified staff contracts effective May 23, 2025, if the contingency plan is enacted.

Board President Campbell and other members emphasized that the measures would be implemented only if the levy fails. Dr. Allen, the district superintendent, told the board the contingency work followed the district’s November contingency planning after a prior levy failure and that the district must be ready now because of timing and staffing cycles. The treasurer’s presentation during the meeting warned that Marysville’s revenue per pupil is well below state averages and that operating shortfalls make contingency planning necessary.

Board members and administrators repeatedly framed the votes as difficult but required steps to align staffing and schedules with projected budget reality if voters do not approve the May levy.

Votes at a glance - Motion to adopt the meeting agenda — approved. - Resolution to reduce instructional hours at elementary and Creekview (conditional on May levy failure) — approved. - Memorandum of understanding (MEA) on K–6 planning time (effective only if levy fails) — approved. - Certified reduction in force (list of positions/programs to be cut if contingency plan is implemented) — approved. - Resolution to suspend specified classified staff contracts effective 05/23/2025 (conditional) — approved. - Routine business (minutes, policies, treasurer and superintendent action items) — approved.

What the votes mean going forward If the levy fails on May 6, the contingency actions approved by the board will be implemented, triggering schedule changes, reassignment offers where available and suspension of specific classified contracts. The superintendent said the district is continuing discussions about possible phased approaches and shared services for other programs (including preschool services) but emphasized that the $3 million potential swing in operating costs from taking on an existing preschool program is not in the district’s five‑year forecast.

The board repeatedly asked staff to continue community outreach and factual communications about the levy and the operational consequences of a failure. The treasurer presented a community postcard that lists financial facts and the proposed tax impact tied to the May ballot request.

Board members said they hoped voters would approve the levy so the contingency plan would not be implemented.