Camas board hears steady budget improvement but warns of ongoing shortfall; teacher tentative agreement heads to ratification

Superintendent John (surname not specified) told the Camas School District Board of Directors on July 28 that the district has seen “steady month by month improvements” in its finances but is still projecting a multi-million dollar operating shortfall for the year.

John said the district’s current projected ending general fund balance is about $5,600,000, or roughly 4.3% of the total budget, and that the district is forecasting a $5,800,000 deficit for the fiscal year — an improvement of about $1.4 million from an earlier projection of a $7.2 million shortfall. He said the district received a $350,000 one-time allocation from the state and delayed a planned $650,000 transfer to the capital fund as part of cost-containment measures.

Why it matters: Board members and staff said the numbers mean continued restraint will be necessary in hiring and spending. John told the board that the district is aiming to rebuild its fund balance to a target of 8–10% over time and that unresolved labor contracts could materially change next year’s budget assumptions.

Enrollment and staffing: John said the district expects enrollment to drop again next year, estimating a decline of about 2% and calling the lower enrollment “our new norm, at least for a while.” He reported 352 student withdrawals last year; staff follow-up indicated 24 of those families reported moving to either homeschool or private schools — roughly 7% of the withdrawals. John said the district will continue exit interviews and outreach to try to retain families.

Labor relations: The superintendent said the district has reached a tentative agreement (TA) with the Camas Education Association (CEA). He asked the board to note that the TA is scheduled for ratification by CEA members on Aug. 11; if ratified, the agreement will then be finalized with the district. John praised bargaining teams on both sides for their work and said the district wants to avoid overcommitting until ratification is complete.

Leadership and priorities: The board was introduced to incoming chief financial officer Kim Noah, who is scheduled to start Aug. 1. John said Noah brings experience managing larger budgets and that the district intends to press forward with focused priorities rather than new large initiatives given constrained staffing. He listed MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support), equity and belonging, and the development of a “profile of a graduate” as central initiatives for the coming year.

Community engagement and tools: John and communications director Doreen highlighted new features for parents, including ParentSquare account switching and the district’s Canvas mobile app as tools to improve family communication. John also noted the district is hosting a regional safety summit at Camas High School on Aug. 4.

What’s next: John said hiring for some positions will depend on ratification of labor agreements and that the district will proceed cautiously on add‑backs to staff. He asked the board and community to emphasize positive communications about the district’s work while staff complete the budget work this summer.