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Jefferson School District authorizes precautionary staff reductions as federal funding falls
Summary
Superintendent Moorefield told the board the district lost federal Title 1A and 2A funding and, with declining enrollment and rising PERS costs, asked for authorization to pursue a reduction in force as a precaution; the board approved the request unanimously.
Superintendent Moorefield asked the Jefferson School District 14J Board of Directors on April 16 to authorize proceeding with a reduction-in-force process as a precaution against worsening budget shortfalls.
Moorefield said the district is seeing declining enrollment and federal funding cuts and has already frozen most purchases to preserve cash. "I am asking this evening for approval from the board to do layoffs as a precautionary measure," Moorefield said, noting she did not anticipate layoffs of certified staff but expected the reduction would likely affect "probably three to four" classified positions.
The request follows an April 8 notice Moorefield described that reduces federal Title allocations; she said the district lost about 15% of its Title 1A dollars ("about $35,000") and about 18% of its Title 2A funding ("about $6,000"). Those cuts, combined with enrollment declines and rising operating costs, prompted the March 11 spending freeze Moorefield described. She also noted that any personnel actions must follow the relevant collective-bargaining provisions and that the district has provided written notification to union leadership.
Board members pressed for context on state funding and PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) pressures. Moorefield and other participants described a pending PERS cost increase that could raise the district’s monthly employer contribution from about $43,000 to roughly $144,000 — an increase she characterized as "about 1.2 million dollars a year" — and discussed a joint PERS-bond study the district could join for $2,500 to assess options.
After discussion, a motion "to approve giving Superintendent Moorefield authorization to proceed with reduction in force in accordance with the terms outlined in Article 17 of the licensed collective bargaining agreement and Article 9 classified collective bargaining" was moved, seconded and approved by roll-call vote (Kevin Smith, Tracy Roe, Terry Camelotty and Chair Mitchell recorded aye). The board’s approval authorizes staff to begin the procedural steps required under the contracts; it does not in itself specify which positions will be affected.
The superintendent said she will follow the collective-bargaining process and return to the board with any required notices or formal personnel actions. The board also discussed short-term measures (spending freezes, vacancy reviews) intended to limit layoffs and said it will revisit staffing decisions as enrollment and funding data become clearer.
What happens next: the superintendent will proceed with required notifications to unions and affected employees if RIF steps become necessary, and the board can reopen or rescind authorizations once additional funding or enrollment changes are known.
