Corvallis School District presents $182.6 million 2025–26 budget, public urges use of reserves to avoid cuts

Corvallis School District Superintendent Noss on Wednesday presented a proposed $182.6 million budget for fiscal 2025–26 that the district says narrows but does not eliminate a multi‑year shortfall driven by declining enrollment and uncertain state and federal funding.

The proposed all‑fund total is $182.6 million, with general fund current resources budgeted at $115.1 million. Finance Director Lauren Wolf told the budget committee the district is projecting enrollment of about 5,898 students for 2025–26 and a year‑to‑year general‑fund shortfall of roughly $2.98 million unless the state school fund allocation changes. “We need that support, and we need community to be involved,” Wolf said during the presentation.

Why it matters: payroll and benefits make up more than half of the district’s costs, PERS contribution rates are large and volatile, and federal and state grant allocations that supplement local revenue may be reduced. Committee members and several public speakers urged the district to consider using reserves or a short runway to preserve student services while planning longer‑term changes.

Key facts and figures - Total proposed all‑fund budget for 2025–26: $182.6 million. - Budgeted general fund resources (all funds basis): $115.1 million, up about $2.6 million (2.3%) from the previous year. - Projected enrollment used for the budget: about 5,898 students; committee discussion referenced a projected decline of about 237 students year‑over‑year. - Previously addressed deficit (2024–25): about $8.2 million; projected new shortfall for 2025–26: about $2.98 million. - Beginning fund balance all funds: $25.6 million (about $16.8 million of that is general fund). - Federal funds represent roughly 6% of the budget (approximately $10 million annually); the budget assumes a 25% reduction in federal grant programs as a conservative scenario. - Local option levy provides about $10.8 million that funds roughly 66 full‑time equivalent positions.

What di…