Board told to expect $1M shortfall; trustees ask staff for $1–1.2M reduction proposal and set Jan./Feb. timeline

Trustees reviewed a district financial model on Nov. 10 that showed a roughly $1.04 million shortfall for the coming fiscal year and larger projected deficits in subsequent years unless revenues or expenses change.

Director Crowe and finance staff told the board the model assumes flat state and federal funding, a 95% average‑daily‑attendance assumption, and a 10% insurance increase. Staff said enrollment dynamics — including a projected net decrease of about 63 students because larger classes are graduating than entering — will reduce support units and state apportionment. The model shows a $1,044,000 gap in the next year, a $1.7 million shortfall the following year and a larger multi‑million dollar deficit thereafter under current assumptions.

Trustees discussed options including staffing reductions via attrition and targeted reductions. One trustee summarized the board’s direction: the district leadership team should prepare a proposal in December and bring it to the board in January so staff can be notified by Feb. 1. The superintendent framed the timeline: "We will bring you a proposal in December. We'll shoot for a range of 1 to 1,200,000 [dollars] without any adverse impacts on program where possible," and said staff notification must be timed to meet legal notice requirements.

The superintendent also noted the community passed a supplemental levy Nov. 4, saying, "We received 1,173 more votes than we needed," which he said provides time to reduce expenditures primarily through attrition while minimizing disruption to students. Board members emphasized that staff reductions should be strategic and try to avoid immediate layoffs where possible.

What’s next: DLT will return with a reduction proposal in December; trustees indicated they expect to act in January to allow staff notifications by Feb. 1.