School finance presentation warns of declining enrollment, special-education shortfalls; Farnsworth Middle School project updates
Summary
District staff presented statewide research showing 73% of districts face declining enrollment and flagged special-education funding shortfalls that could leave the district about $800,000 short; the board also viewed Farnsworth Middle School project videos and heard a solar project estimate with a six-year payback.
District staff presented a school finance update that emphasized widespread declining enrollment, persistent special-education funding shortfalls, and potential policy responses.
Speaker 1, who led the presentation, cited data showing 73% of districts are experiencing declining enrollment and that 75% of students are concentrated in 30% of districts. Speaker 1 said those trends are driving conversations about consolidation and revenue-limit reforms tied to inflation.
On special-education funding, Speaker 1 said the district faces a sizable shortfall. "We're not gonna do that. We're gonna fall $800,000 short in this district," Speaker 1 said, arguing the state has surplus funds but has not allocated them to fully fund special education. The presenter noted voucher schools are generally unlikely to enroll high-need special-education students, which concentrates those costs in public districts.
Speaker 1 outlined possible policy changes — moving from a three-year to a five-year averaging formula and higher per-pupil funding to ease transitions — and described 'hold harmless' mechanics that can blunt sudden aid changes. The presenter also cautioned that consolidation and school closures, while potentially saving money, create political and community disruption and equity concerns.
Later in the meeting the board viewed two Farnsworth Middle School videos (Speaker 8) that showcased building design, safety features and flexible learning spaces. Speaker 1 said bidding for construction will start in February, noted the district expects a solar installation across two schools with an estimated six-year payback on a roughly $1,000,000 investment, and said those savings would accrue to the district over the system’s lifecycle.
Speaker 2 thanked the presenter; no board action on finance policy was taken at the meeting. The slides from the presentation were made available to board members for further review.
