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Florence Unified superintendent warns of enrollment‑driven shortfalls, pitches $98 million bond for safety and renovations
Summary
Superintendent Chris Knudson told the council the district lost about 2% of enrollment last year and shifted roughly $4.7 million from capital to operations to balance budgets; the district plans to propose a $98 million bond to address safety, HVAC and campus renovations.
Florence Unified School District Superintendent Chris Knudson reported to the town council on Aug. 5 that the district is experiencing enrollment declines that have forced one‑time budget shifts and prompted plans for a facilities bond.
Knudson said state funding rules based on prior‑year enrollment left the district $4.7 million short in capital funds last year and required moving that amount from capital into maintenance and operations to balance the budget. He said the district is budgeting for a 3% enrollment decline in the coming year and described pressure on capital funds used for roofs, HVAC and other long‑term needs.
To address building upgrades, safety and transportation needs, Knudson said the district plans to propose a $98 million bond. He described priorities including school safety measures (upgraded entry systems, intercoms, metal‑detector options and improved lockdown capacity), HVAC and renovation of Florence Middle School (an estimated $13 million need), new buses and other capital work.
Knudson said the district is working with roughly $5 million in annual capital set‑asides but that those dollars do not meet current needs; he also noted the district owns 26 and 23 acres of property that it does not expect to develop and could preserve as a buffer while using the proceeds of other assets to help sustain programs.
The superintendent thanked the town for its work to help supply school resource officers and for donating vehicles that will enable the district to maintain its behind‑the‑wheel driver‑education program, which the district has kept affordable compared with private providers. He urged community engagement on the bond and said a kickoff meeting would be scheduled.
What’s next: Knudson said the district will continue planning and outreach on the proposed bond and expects public information and a formal ballot measure in the months ahead; councilmembers offered support and asked staff how the town could help.
