Forest Grove SD reports 78 fewer students than budgeted; board warns of revenue gap

Forest Grove School District Superintendent Dr. West told the board on Jan. 13 that the district is "78 students below our budget," a drop she said, combined with prior-year declines, could reduce district revenue by about "$1,500,000 or less." The report showed the district remains below budget after the two-year enrollment averaging the state uses for funding.

The presentation outlined school-by-school variances and noted that state and federal dynamics could worsen revenue forecasts: Dr. West said the state is projecting a mid-biennium shortfall of "$600,000,000" and federal grant funding could be reduced or cut. Board members asked for school-level detail; Dr. West flagged Joseph Gale Elementary as a notable case and said immigration enforcement and attendance have affected enrollment at schools with higher Latino populations.

Board members pressed for actionable numbers to use in advocacy. One trustee asked why Joseph Gale was 56 students below its projection; Dr. West said she would "dig into that" and provide the data. Trustees also emphasized that staff reductions are not the preferred approach and that planners will explore budget options first.

The board was told the district's budgeting process will begin soon and staff will return with more detailed figures and possible mitigation strategies. The superintendent said the district will monitor enrollment and state revenue forecasts closely as it prepares budget options for a year with continuing fiscal uncertainty.