The Shelton School District Board of Directors on a voice vote approved Resolution 25‑01 authorizing a reduction in force to address a stated general‑fund deficit and help the district finish the year with a positive ending fund balance.

Superintendent Jesse told the board the district is working against “a 2,300,000 deficit” and said the board will need to reduce personnel costs to comply with state requirements and district policy. “This reduction of force is a 1 time event,” Jesse said, adding that the district had previously cut supplies and services and that affected staff would be offered individualized support and the option to apply for other open positions within the district.

Clinton Sherman, who presented the resolution to the board, described the measure as part of “a larger strategy to reduce our expenditures” and acknowledged it was “the hardest part of the plan.” Sherman confirmed the immediate target for the reduction in force would generate about $750,000 for the 2024‑25 year (three quarters of $1,000,000), and that there would be no additional reductions in force this school year as a direct result of this resolution. Sherman and the superintendent said further budget reductions are expected during next year’s budget process to meet board policy for ending fund balance.

The decision followed extensive public comment at the meeting from parents, employees and community members. Nikki Kennedy invoked RCW 28A.600.480 while describing alleged student harassment at a middle school and urged the board to act on bullying complaints. Maria Littleson, who identified herself as president of the Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee and a Mountain View parent, described how her nonverbal son relies on paraeducators and urged the board to weigh the effects of staffing cuts on students with disabilities. William Sullivan and other speakers urged the board to look at top‑level pay and alleged stipends for senior staff as alternative cost reductions. Several speakers said they were worried about the district’s recent finance‑office departures and urged transparency and accountability.

Board members asked clarifying questions during the discussion. A board member asked whether the $750,000 target applied to this year only; Sherman replied that this resolution would address this year’s shortfall and that additional reductions were likely to be considered in next year’s budget process. The superintendent and Sherman said district staff will follow legally required procedures for reductions in force and provide individualized information to affected employees in the coming days.

The motion to adopt Resolution 25‑01 — “authorizing a reduction in force” — was moved and seconded and carried. The board chair declared the resolution passed.

The board and district staff said they will continue budget planning, provide notices to impacted employees consistent with state law and district policy, and work to restore the general fund to a positive balance for future years. District officials reiterated that they expect the next budget cycle to be tight and that the goal is to avoid further mid‑year RIFs.

Votes at the meeting also approved other agenda items (see related votes roundup).