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Francis Howell R‑III presents 2026–27 staffing plan; district warns Senate Bill 3 could force holds
Summary
Francis Howell R‑III leaders presented a two‑part 2026–27 staffing plan on Jan. 8 that would hold 7.76 positions pending budget clarity tied to Senate Bill 3. Administration said contingency positions and reallocation would be used to manage class sizes, special‑education caseloads and coaching supports; final approval is scheduled for Jan. 15.
Lisa Simpkins, identified in board remarks as the district’s chief human resources officer, presented a two‑part staffing plan for the 2026–27 school year and told the Francis Howell R‑III board the district will hold some positions until revenue is clearer.
"We are asking you to approve the positions we already currently have, that we're already utilizing so that we can start the bulk of the staffing work," Simpkins said during the Jan. 8 work session. She described part 1 as a status‑quo plan with several positions placed on hold and said part 2 would release those positions in June if the budget allows.
The presentation tied staffing choices to the district’s strategic pillars and to state guidance. Simpkins said the district must begin recruiting in March to attract qualified candidates, but that "over 80% of our budget is salary and benefits," making personnel the largest lever for savings if revenue falls.
As presented, the district would hold about 7.76 positions…
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