Camas School District board authorizes staffing reductions as officials cite $13M–$16M shortfall

The Camas School District Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution on Jan. 27 authorizing Superintendent Dr. John Anzalone and his cabinet to implement a modified educational program that may reduce certificated positions by about 10 percent, classified positions by about 13 percent and central administrators by about 29 percent as the district plans a 2025–26 budget to match anticipated revenues.

Board President Connie read the resolution at the start of the discussion, saying the district “faces a financial emergency due to loss of enrollment, loss of revenue, increased staffing costs, and the exhaustion of COVID relief funds.” The motion to adopt board resolution 24-02 was moved by Board Member Corey and seconded by Matthew; the board voted unanimously to approve it.

The resolution directs the superintendent to prepare a 2025–26 operating budget that reduces expenditures to the level of reasonably anticipated revenues and available fund balance while maintaining an unassigned fund balance consistent with board policy 6022. It also authorizes the superintendent to take actions required by law to notify employees affected by reductions and to propose later, specific non‑personnel reductions to athletics, extracurriculars and operating budgets.

Superintendent Dr. John Anzalone presented enrollment data immediately before the vote, telling directors the district had gained 10 students since mid‑December and that secondary enrollment fluctuations were typical at semester changes. Business director Jason McEathren outlined the district’s cash flow concerns, describing months in which state apportionment timing and property tax collections create tight cash positions. McEathren noted an estimated structural budget deficit earlier in the fall of roughly $13 million to $16 million for 2025–26 and said unassigned fund balance guidance is about $6.5 million.

Board members framed the vote as a reluctant but necessary step given the district’s limited ability to increase revenue without state action. “This is not something anybody enjoys,” Board Member Corey said during debate. “Short of any miracle actions coming out of the legislature, we have exhausted all of our options here.” Several directors stressed the district’s ongoing advocacy in Olympia for changes to statewide education funding.

Implementation details the board discussed include a timeline for staff notifications and principal planning. The superintendent said the district would need about a week to coordinate with human resources and planned to begin notifying affected employees on Feb. 7; principals would meet that same day to review next‑year staffing scenarios. The resolution does not specify which individual positions will be cut; staffing decisions, including potential reductions and any reassignments, will be made by the superintendent and staff consistent with law and collective‑bargaining obligations.

The board also asked administration to continue communicating with employees, unions and the community and reiterated its strategic priorities as guidance for any program reductions. Directors and staff emphasized the district will continue to advocate for state funding changes while pursuing local reductions to balance the 2025–26 budget.

The resolution gives the superintendent authority to implement the modified program and to return to the board with proposed non‑personnel reductions for athletic, extracurricular and building operating budgets. Board members said they may revisit or adjust actions if the legislature provides unexpected new revenue before contractual deadlines.

Key clarifications from the meeting: the resolution calls for roughly 10% fewer certificated positions, 13% fewer classified positions and 29% fewer central administrators as preliminary targets; the district aims to notify affected staff beginning Feb. 7; and the board’s unassigned fund balance target is approximately $6.5 million, per board policy 6022.

The board’s vote authorizes administrative steps to match expenditures to projected revenues for 2025–26; it does not itself identify which jobs will be eliminated or which specific programs will be cut. Staff and unions will continue consultations as the district proceeds through required notification and bargaining processes.