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Board and staff weigh cuts and priorities: reading interventionists, guest teachers, psychologists, JuiceBox and DreamBox among items discussed
Summary
Trustees and staff reviewed a prioritized list of potential FY26 cuts and protections, agreeing to preserve classroom-facing positions where feasible while targeting some subscriptions, consulting and nonclassroom roles for reduction.
The Governing Board and district administration spent substantial time identifying budget items to protect and items to consider for reduction as part of FY26 prioritization.
Items trustees signaled they want to protect include permanent guest teachers (district-employed substitute positions), reading interventionists, and teacher-signing incentives. Several trustees said those elements directly affect classroom staffing and student learning and should be treated as high priorities.
Items discussed for reduction or reclassification included the communications director position and its associated marketing budget (administration said duties could be redistributed at the district office but suggested retaining a small marketing line), some consulting and membership expenditures, and several curricular or supplemental subscriptions. Staff and trustees specifically discussed:
- JuiceBox website contract: administration reported an annual maintenance/design payment of roughly $24,500 per year under a multi-year agreement. The board asked legal and administration to explore options to renegotiate or exit; in the short term trustees agreed the district should not rely on that savings until contract terms are clear.
- DreamBox (online math practice): trustees heard mixed feedback from teachers and parents. Some said usage is inconsistent; several trustees said the $73,000 annual cost makes it a candidate for reduction in favor of preserving classroom staff.
- Loomis cash-collection service: trustees discussed an armored-car cash pickup service implemented to address past audit findings related to cash handling. Several trustees supported keeping the service for security but agreed the cost should be moved to a different fund if possible.
- Supplemental curricula and digital subscriptions (examples listed to staff): administration identified several low-use items that could be paused or reduced, and staff will produce usage figures.
Personnel-level items discussed as possible attrition savings included counselors, psychologists and some operations/maintenance positions. Administrators warned that some positions (for example psychologists and school counselors) support legally required special-education evaluation timelines and student services; trustees indicated they preferred to limit reductions that would impair compliance or student supports.
The board also agreed to pause automatic step increases (districtwide) for next year while it assesses the budget; administration noted this raises equity concerns for hourly staff if state minimum wage changes and asked to return with exact figures. Superintendent Dr. Monroe also told the board he would forgo performance pay this year given the district fiscal situation.
Next steps
Administration will return with more precise usage reports for subscriptions, a legal review of the JuiceBox contract and proposals to fund selected positions through alternative (nongeneral M&O) funds where appropriate. The board directed staff to continue developing the prioritized reduction list and to present updated totals so trustees can see whether the district reaches its target savings.
