Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Staffing Budget Enrollment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Granite Falls board approves resolution authorizing possible staff reductions amid enrollment and funding uncertainty
Summary
The Granite Falls School District board voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 24/25‑05, authorizing the district to issue reduction‑in‑force notices if needed because of falling enrollment and uncertain state and federal funding.
The Granite Falls School District Board of Directors on Monday approved Resolution No. 24/25‑05, authorizing the superintendent to issue reduction‑in‑force (RIF) notices if budget and enrollment projections require staff reductions for the 2025–26 school year.
Superintendent Corey said the district faces multiple pressures that prompted the resolution: projected enrollment declines, uncertain state K‑12 funding, and a potential loss of federal grant dollars. “The rationale for the RIF is we have uncertain state funding,” Corey said, adding that $2,100,000 in federal funding that supports Title programs, special education and child nutrition is at risk.
The board and administration said the action is a planning measure that allows the district time to respond if revenues fall short. The resolution authorizes up to 10 classified positions and up to 10 certificated positions to be reduced, up to one certificated administrator position, and potential reductions in classified hours or workdays. The superintendent said any notices would follow the district’s contractual layoff procedures and that written notice to affected certificated staff would be issued by May 15 if reductions are necessary.
Why it matters: state funding and enrollment levels determine staffing budgets for Washington districts. Superintendent Corey told the board the district’s kindergarten class currently has 142 students versus a projection of about 160, and that overall K–12 enrollment has dropped by about 56 students since November. The district also expects 40–50 fewer students at Crossroads next year because the interlocal agreement with Lake Stevens is sunsetting, officials said. Those enrollment changes reduce state funding under the prototypical school funding model.
Board members emphasized the difficulty of the decision and their hope that the district will not have to use the full authorized reductions. One board member described the resolution as a prudent step to protect the district’s 7% minimum fund balance and long‑term financial health. Board members repeatedly said attrition, retirements and bargaining with labor partners will be considered before layoffs are finalized.
Superintendent Corey described required legal steps and timelines: the district included notation of the relevant RCW in meeting materials and said it would follow collective bargaining agreement provisions (including Section 8.6) when applying any reductions. Corey also thanked building leaders and cabinet staff for work on enrollment projections and staffing scenarios.
The motion to approve Resolution No. 24/25‑05 passed with a unanimous voice vote. The board did not provide a numerical roll call in the record but confirmed the motion carried.
Next steps: the superintendent and district staff will continue enrollment projections, monitor state and federal funding developments and consult with union representatives. If required, written notices to affected certificated staff would be issued by May 15 under state law, the superintendent said. The board then recessed to an executive session; no additional action on the RIF was announced at the meeting’s close.
