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Jefferson SD 14J board authorizes superintendent to pursue staff reductions after $700,000 shortfall
Summary
The Jefferson SD 14J board voted to authorize the superintendent to initiate a reduction in force, citing a projected $700,000 budget shortfall driven by a PERS rate increase and declining enrollment. The action gives the superintendent authority under the district's collective bargaining agreement to proceed with staffing reductions.
The Jefferson School District 14J board voted on May 12 to give Superintendent Dawn authority to implement a reduction in force, after a presentation showing an estimated $700,000 shortfall linked to a pension-rate increase and lower enrollment.
Dawn told the board she had worked with the district business manager and had been consulting with union leaders for months. "We are going to need to do a reduction in force," she said, and asked the board to authorize her to proceed under Article 20 of the district's collective bargaining agreement. Dawn said the district is planning to reduce certified staff by 2.25 full-time equivalent positions. "That increase in PERS rates is going to be at a cost of over $400,000 to the district," she said, and said a projected decline of roughly 30 students would reduce revenue by about $300,000.
Board members asked how staff would be informed and how work would be redistributed. Dawn said she had notified the union president and vice president and had met with building staff; she said specific lists of positions cannot be discussed publicly for confidentiality reasons but confirmed that affected employees have recall rights if positions reopen. "They do have recall rights," she said.
A board member raised concerns about workload for remaining staff, asking, "When those positions are gone, where does the work go?" Dawn responded that she expects to absorb some duties and reassign tasks carefully to avoid overwhelming staff, but acknowledged some redistribution will be necessary.
The motion to "approve giving the superintendent authorization to proceed with a reduction in force in accordance with the terms outlined in Article 20 of the collective bargaining agreement" was made by Terry (the motion-maker) and seconded by Carol Vickery. The board conducted the vote and the motion was approved.
Next steps: Dawn said she hopes to move forward with personnel conversations this week, after the board's approval and as the budget review process continues. The board will discuss budget details at scheduled budget meetings this week; any recalls or re-hires would follow the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
