Trustees demand full staffing and budget detail before approving proposed cuts

Trustee Jerrod Morris told administration he would not support a partial plan that restructures personnel without a full accounting of positions affected, arguing trustees need time to review details before approving any changes. "I am not going to be in favor of half of a plan that calls for, the restructuring of personnel or the possibility of layoffs until a full scope is given of what that would look like in the plan," Morris said.

Morris and other trustees objected to receiving high‑level figures at the "ninth hour," saying the board's role is to approve a budget with a clear understanding of its impact on staff and programs. Administration responded that it could provide position counts by tenure area and role (but not names) over the coming days and that the current draft budget totals already include projected personnel adjustments. Mr. Wilson said he could deliver counts of anticipated layoffs by position and tenure prior to the next board meeting to allow trustees to weigh the recommendations.

Trustees also expressed concern about timing and legal exposure if materials are presented publicly before the board has reviewed their full scope. The board and administration agreed the administration would deliver a more granular package before trustees are asked to act so the board can make an informed decision and, if necessary, the community can consider the proposal at the public vote.