Camas School District details staffing cuts and program reductions amid $15 million shortfall; parents and students protest music cuts

Superintendent John told the Camas School District Board of Directors on May 27 that the district faces a projected budget shortfall of roughly $15,000,000 and summarized reductions the administration has made so far.

John said the district had reached about $11.5 million in projected savings after multiple rounds of cuts but that ‘‘even with the deep cuts that we've made, we still have not reached $15,000,000’’ and that further steps would be required unless other revenue materializes. He described staffing and program changes the district will implement in the fall and stressed that ongoing union negotiations and final salary calculations could affect the final figures.

The superintendent and staff listed specific personnel and program impacts. The district notified 69 teachers of reductions and said 31 certificated full‑time equivalents were currently displaced without placements. District leadership also said a mix of central‑office positions, school leadership roles and support staff were eliminated or reduced, including: an assistant superintendent position that will not be refilled in December; central office registrars; technology support; an accountant and payroll staff; and school‑level deans and assistant principals at several campuses. The…