Hamilton City superintendent unveils $9.6 million cut plan, including Fairwood closure and outsourced preschool and nursing

Superintendent Andrea Blevins told the Hamilton City School Board on Tuesday that the district faces a structural deficit that could reach about $10.12 million for the 2026–27 school year and presented a $9.6 million package of cuts and reorganizations designed to keep the district solvent without immediate program eliminations.

Blevins, who opened the presentation by saying she delivered the plan "with a heavy heart," said the shortfall stems from reductions in the state foundation funding formula and recent property‑tax reform. Treasurer Jeremy Frazier told the board the district expects to lose an estimated $2 million to $3 million in property‑tax revenue and will present an updated February forecast with more precise figures.

The package combines operational savings and personnel changes. Non‑personnel measures—about $1.3 million in cuts—include modest energy adjustments (changing HVAC setpoints by one degree), a districtwide lights‑off campaign in partnership with HCTA, reduced postage and renegotiated printer contracts. The district also plans technology contract changes with its provider Ford Edge and to move some licensing costs to permanent‑improvement funds.

Major structural recommendations include closing Fairwood Elementary (the district said it is one of the lowest‑enrollment elementary schools) and…