The superintendent of 3 Rivers Local Schools updated the council on district enrollment, budget and facilities.

He said enrollment has been gradually declining — from about 2,150 five years earlier to around 1,800 now — driven partly by phasing out open enrollment and smaller kindergarten classes. To respond, the district made personnel reductions this spring totaling roughly $600,000, mainly by attrition, which the superintendent said should preserve class-size balance.

The superintendent said a five-year forecast completed earlier in 2025 had shown a potential $5 million deficit absent action, but COVID-relief funds and recent budgeting left the district with a $10 million reserve and a forecast that projects breaking even by 2030. School starts Aug. 13 and the district runs a ReadyFest on Aug. 7 to distribute supplies.

The district is planning a facility master study to decide how to repurpose, rehab or replace aging buildings (the superintendent referenced a 100-year-old CT Young building and an old wrestling building). The board and boosters are exploring fundraising and a capital campaign to create an adequate training space for student athletes; the superintendent said architects will be engaged to create a plan.

Council and the superintendent did not take formal action; the report was informational and the council expressed thanks for the district’s work.