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Prosser district reports enrollment decline, warns of roughly $300,000 monthly revenue shortfall
Summary
District officials told the school board April enrollment is down compared with last year and said the loss translates to about $300,000 less per month in revenue; trustees and staff described ongoing bargaining and budget planning to address reductions.
The Prosser School District reported a decline in student enrollment in April and told the school board that the drop represents roughly $300,000 less in monthly revenue compared with the same time last year.
District business official Delise said April enrollment was down two students from March and noted that enrollment last year at this time was 2,380. "That is over $300,000 a month that we don't have per month," Delise said, explaining the figure is driving current budget-planning work.
The shortfall is being addressed in multiple ways, staff and board members said. Superintendent Kim and other administrators said they are engaged in budget planning, bargaining with employee groups and numerous stakeholder meetings to explore reductions, fundraising channels and other options. Kim said the district is meeting with unions and bargaining units, including upcoming talks with the coaches association and educational office personnel. She also said the district has held about 15 stakeholder meetings on the budget and is coordinating with community volunteers and groups to explore options.
Trustees and staff urged community members who want to help that contributions and volunteer efforts can be accepted, but must follow district, state and IRS rules and be routed through recognized booster or nonprofit channels. Kim said examples include Music Boosters and athletics booster clubs, and that donations can be earmarked if processed through proper channels.
Administrators also noted uncertainty at the state level. Kim said the Legislature may extend the session because budget decisions were not finalized, and that uncertainty could affect the district's revenue projections and timing for final decisions.
The board did not adopt any new revenue measures at the meeting; staff said additional budget proposals and potential cuts will be discussed in upcoming meetings and bargaining sessions.
