Molalla River SD 35 budget committee reviews proposed 2025–26 budget; projects small enrollment decline, revenue losses and rising retirement costs

The Molalla River SD 35 budget committee met to review the district’s proposed 2025–26 budget, hear an overview of assumptions and funding changes, and set a path to final adoption later this spring.

District staff presented the proposed budget and told the committee the plan reflects a modest decline in enrollment over the next eight to 10 years, an anticipated drop in special revenue because some pandemic-era and state grants have ended, and higher employer retirement costs that will push long-term contribution rates higher.

The presentation, given by district staff member Andy, described the proposal as “our best shot” while acknowledging it is provisional and will be updated as new state and federal figures arrive. Andy said the district based the 2025–26 plan on the Oregon Department of Education’s March 5, 2025 state school fund estimate and on local property-tax projections. He said the district expects local revenue to total just over $12,100,000 (about a $540,000, or roughly 4 percent, increase) and that special revenue grants are projected to decline from about $4.6 million to $4.3 million,…