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Superintendent outlines plan to cut nearly $12.6 million; board warned of possible layoffs
Summary
Superintendent Benner and staff presented a budget update projecting a slight enrollment decline and proposed reductions totaling about $12.6 million that would reduce the projected ending fund balance to roughly 5.3%; staff said reductions could include certificated and classified FTEs and that a resolution and public discussion are expected in May.
Superintendent Benner and Executive Director Amy Day presented a budget update that outlined current‑year balances, enrollment projections and proposed reductions for 2026–27.
Day reported current‑year average enrollment of 11,876 and a preliminary projection of 11,810 for next year, a net 66 FTE decline. The general fund began the year with a $36.7 million fund balance and stood at $18.9 million as of March 31. Day said ThoughtExchange outreach has produced just over 1,000 survey participants to date and identified class size, free meals and behavior supports as the top community priorities.
Staff outlined a reduction plan that they estimate will save about $12.6 million: approximately $6,000,000 from certificated staff allocations (CPEA), $3,000,000 from ESPCP, $600,000 from IUOE, $1,100,000 from non‑bargained positions, and $1,700,000 from materials, supplies and operating costs (MSOC). With the current revenue projection, staff said that would land the district at an approximate 5.3% ending fund balance for 2026–27 (the board had discussed a 6% target). Benner warned that the plan could require reductions in force and that staff expect some resignations; he also cited ongoing uncertainty about state and federal funding and rising costs (for example, a $733,000 insurance increase).
Board members asked about contractual limits for class size, the prototypical funding model, longevity protections in layoffs, and community messaging. Benner said regular classroom contractual maximums may be as high as 32 in some situations, and that the prototypical funding model does not fully cover district costs such as special education and transportation. He said staff will present a recommendation and a resolution in May; more public comment is expected at the May 11 meeting.
No board action was taken at the workshop; staff said detailed talking points will be provided to the board and that communications to staff will begin the following day.
