Camas district details staff reductions as community urges preservation of music and arts

Superintendent John Anzalone told the Camas School District Board of Directors on April 28 that declining enrollment left the district facing a roughly 10–12% shortfall and that staff reductions are underway as part of a multi‑phase budget strategy.

Anzalone said the district is ‘‘utilizing our reserve fund’’ and moving through a three‑phase approach to reductions, starting with central office, then certificated staff, then PSE/PSE and KOP positions. "They really simply put our declining enrollment," he said, describing the forces behind the cuts. He told the board the district has reduced several central‑office positions and, "per the CCA collective bargaining agreement, we did, reduce 39 provisional certificated staff," and that HR is running a seniority‑based process to place displaced employees where possible.

The reductions prompted an extended public comment period. Nineteen speakers — parents, students, teachers and alumni — told the board that music, choir, band, jazz ensemble, drama and related electives are essential to student well‑being, academic engagement and a sense of belonging. Students repeatedly said programs had helped them find friends, gain confidence and improve…