Committee asks for clearer staffing view of grant-funded positions ahead of budget
Summary
Members urged the finance office to present grant-funded positions together with general-funded staffing so the district can see which roles might be at risk if grant dollars lapse; finance said grants like IDEA and Title I currently fund multiple teaching positions and swaps to general-fund require careful review.
During the Dec. 1 meeting, Sherry Kennedy asked the finance office to review grant positions and funding sources in advance of budgeting, noting the district should be proactive about positions that may lose grant support.
Robert Jones suggested reinstating a simple 2x2 matrix (grant-funded vs general-funded; benefits-eligible vs non-benefits) to track how positions have shifted over time. Lehi O'Fallo said prior presentations have separated grant-funded positions from general-funded lines and that he can present staffing by position with a grant column if the underlying data can be pulled reliably. He cautioned that federal grants such as IDEA and Title I have rules limiting allowable uses and that converting grant-funded roles into general-fund positions is feasible but constrained.
Why it matters: many instructional and specialist positions are currently supported by grants; if that funding disappears the district must decide whether to incorporate those roles into the general fund or discontinue services. Members asked for a more visible staffing table showing positions, funding source and years of grant support.
What comes next: finance staff will examine whether a staffing-by-position report with grant columns is feasible and will provide examples for committee review.
