District warns staffing reductions likely as budget shortfall prompts reduced-program resolution
Summary
Vancouver School District staff told the board the district faces significant budget challenges for 2026–27 and will initiate a "reduced program" resolution to set the process in motion; staff said they will engage advisory committees and community surveys before bringing a detailed resolution to the March 10 meeting.
Interim Brett Schmidt told the board the district is confronting significant budget challenges as it plans for the 2026–27 school year and said it is now "inevitable" that staffing and programmatic reductions will be required.
Schmidt said the immediate step is to file a reduced-program resolution that sets a formal process in motion; the initial resolution will not identify exact FTE or categories of cuts, but staff will develop details over the coming weeks. He said district leaders have released a community survey and plan to engage advisory committees to help prioritize difficult decisions.
"This resolution just basically sets that process formally in motion," Schmidt told the board, adding that a more detailed resolution identifying potential reductions will be presented at the March 10 board meeting. He emphasized the district will aim to provide advance notice to families and said operations, communications and labor partners will be consulted as staff prepare options.
Board members raised questions about timing and communication; staff said they could defer formal approval if additional community engagement is needed but noted earlier notification aids families' planning. Schmidt said staff will compile concerns and initial reactions from communications, operations and bargaining partners and report back.
No formal motions or votes occurred at the meeting; the board was given notice of the staff plan and the timeline for a March action.
