Superintendent warns $6.1 million shortfall could force cuts to services

Dr. Phil Masiko, a superintendent in Indiana, told a superintendent fireside chat that his district is facing a projected $6,100,000 shortfall over the next three years, and warned the gap could force difficult operational decisions.

"We're predicted to be 6,100,000 shortfall over the next 3 years," Masiko said, adding that maintaining teacher quality with steadily less money is keeping him awake. He said district leaders are preparing for measures that could include hiring only through attrition, delaying or canceling costly curriculum adoptions and rethinking transportation runs.

Masiko gave a specific example of curriculum costs: the district's K–5 literacy adoption occurred five years ago and would cost about $350,000 to redo. He said transportation is already a pressure point in neighboring districts and that some have reached a point where they can no longer afford to pick up and bring students to school.

Masiko said planning must begin now, with central-office and building leaders, principals and directors weighing priorities and determining whether each position, program or purchased platform remains necessary. "So those conversations and that planning has to start," he said.

The remarks were made during a live conversation hosted by Aviv with Sal Khan of Khan Academy; the session focused on how districts might use technology and AI to support instruction amid budget stress. Masiko emphasized that any operational response must protect classroom teachers, who he described as essential to student learning.

The conversation did not include formal votes or policy changes; Masiko said the district's chief financial officer is engaged and that leaders are tracking options but provided no firm list of cuts or dates for decisions.