Vancouver School Board directs staff to craft plan after superintendent warns of nearly $28M shortfall
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Summary
Interim superintendent presented a budget update showing a projected near $28 million net reduction need, driven by declining enrollment, state funding gaps and possible federal cuts; the board voted to direct staff (Resolution 940) to return with a detailed reduction plan for board review in March.
Interim Superintendent Blechschmidt told the Vancouver School Board the district faces a funding gap that will require significant reductions, naming a net reduction target of "about 28,000,000, just under 28,000,000" and warning the district’s fund balance could fall to under $200,000 if action is not taken. He attributed the shortfall to several factors: an estimated $8 million revenue loss tied to declining enrollment, potential federal funding changes the district is preparing for (a worst‑case of roughly $2 million), a projected $1.5 million special‑education shortfall, and roughly $1 million in non‑salary inflation (materials, supplies, operating costs).
