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Mercer Island schools outline possible staff reductions amid projected $2 million gap
Summary
District staff warned that a roughly $2.0M budget gap driven by rising utilities, insurance and salary steps, together with declining enrollment, could require staff reductions unless non‑staff operational savings, attrition and program adjustments close the deficit. Statutory notice timelines mean the board may consider RIF authority before mid‑May.
District leaders told the Mercer Island School District board that declining enrollment and rising costs have created a potential budget shortfall that could require staffing adjustments next school year.
Assistant superintendent (speaker 2) presented a three‑year enrollment snapshot showing gradual declines in elementary and middle grades and explained that staff represent approximately 84.7% of district expenditures. The presentation cited drivers of a projected roughly $2,000,000 shortfall: increased utilities, higher insurance costs and step/experience increases for certificated and classified staff. "There's about $2,000,000," a presenter stated during the briefing.
Administrator…
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