Salem-Keizer SD 24J begins planning for at least $25 million in cuts, pledges to protect students

An agency official for Salem-Keizer SD 24J said the district is beginning plans to absorb at least $25,000,000 in budget reductions next year while prioritizing steps to protect students and school operations.

"We are starting to plan for a minimum $25,000,000 reduction next year," the agency official said, adding that "our top priority will be protecting students and schools as much as possible." The official framed those priorities around the district's five core values and a focus on equity.

The official said student outcomes are improving even as enrollment declines and staffing expenses rise, creating a fiscal mismatch the district must address. "Student enrollment is shrinking, but staffing expenses are growing," the official said. "Even though our enrollment is falling, the needs of our students are rising."

The speaker emphasized that schools in the district provide services beyond classroom instruction, listing food, clothing, and medical and dental screening among supports staff deliver to students. The official cautioned that reductions must account for those wraparound services and called for planning that protects conditions for teaching and learning.

District leaders signaled the process will emphasize transparency and community engagement. "Planning for these will require creativity, courage, and transparency," the agency official said, urging that Salem-Keizer serve "as a role model for productive, transparent conversations" about options and hard decisions.

No formal actions, motions or vote tallies were recorded in the provided remarks. The official said the district will work with the community on options and maintain student-centered decisionmaking as the budget planning continues.