Dallas SD 2 board approves resolution authorizing potential layoffs to address $2.67M shortfall

The Dallas School District Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a resolution declaring a $2,670,000 budget deficit for the 2025–26 school year and authorizing the district to plan staff reductions, including up to 10 licensed full-time equivalent positions, 35 classified FTEs and, as amended, up to one administrative FTE, effective June 30, 2025.

The measure, read aloud by Board Member (Speaker 5) as "resolution 24 25 0 7," also cited ORS 324.934 and collective bargaining agreements as governing constraints on reductions in force. Board Member (Speaker 5) moved the resolution; Board Member (Speaker 4) seconded. Chair (Board Member (Speaker 1)) called for the voice vote and announced the motion passed unanimously; individual vote counts were not specified in the record.

The vote came after several board members pressed administration and the board to minimize cuts to classroom staff. "Is there any way we can go down to 4% instead of having to possibly eliminate 35 staff members, it's more like 24," said Board Member (Speaker 1), urging colleagues to consider a smaller reserve floor. Board Member (Speaker 2) replied that the board has used a 5% ending fund balance as its floor during the past two years and said keeping that floor — about $2,000,000 — is prudent given uncertainty over state funding. "I think we have to keep the 5% as the floor, to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars," Speaker 2 said.

Several members asked for more review by the finance committee and for greater consideration of alternatives to staff reductions. Board Member (Speaker 4) said administrative and central-office staffing should be reevaluated and urged the district to take a "hard look" before finalizing specific positions to eliminate: "The people closest to the kids are the ones that are getting hurt," Speaker 4 said. Board Member (Speaker 5) asked whether removing an administrative position would require amending the resolution; Speaker 3 said such changes would likely require a follow-up amendment but that approving the resolution now "begins the process" and authorizes collaborative discussions with staff and unions.

The resolution text as read identifies a $2,670,000 shortfall and states the board "must may lay off multiple staff positions" in line with ORS 324.934 and collective bargaining obligations; it sets the maximums named above and designates June 30, 2025 as the effective date. The board recorded the amendment to include up to one administrative FTE before taking the voice vote.

Administration moved on after the vote to routine monthly reports. The record indicates the board and administration expect further specification of actual positions and that any final reductions will follow legal and bargaining processes required by state law and contracts.

What’s next: the motion authorizes district staff to continue budget work and collaborative discussions about reductions and alternatives. The record does not show specific positions chosen for elimination, nor does it provide a numerical roll-call of the vote.