Arlington board adopts resolution authorizing reduced educational program amid projected $3.5M–$4.5M shortfall

The Arlington School Board on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing a reduced educational program for 2026–27 after financial staff presented projections showing an enrollment shortfall and a multi-million-dollar funding gap.

Executive Director of Financial Services Gina Zutenhorse told the board the district ended March with a modest fund balance and expects an interfund loan authority may be needed in June to cover low-cash points. She said the district had 89 fewer students than planned — a shortfall that cuts roughly $1.2 million from projected state revenue — and presented a range of potential reductions between $3.5 million and $4.5 million depending on final revenue numbers.

"We had 89 students less than we had budgeted and planned for and that equates to about $1.2 million less revenue," Zutenhorse said during her report. She also noted the district is expecting a significant special-education safety-net reimbursement that would improve the outlook but would not eliminate the need for reductions.

The adopted Resolution 2602 (referred to in the staff presentation as 2627 in places) formally authorizes the district to proceed with a reduced educational program and attaches a plan identifying broad categories of reductions, including administrative staffing adjustments, potential certificated attrition and non‑replacements, classified reductions, and changes to contractual services. The resolution delegates authority to Superintendent Chris to carry out necessary staffing actions consistent with labor agreements and state notification timelines.

Board members asked how and when affected employees would be notified. Zutenhorse said certificated staff notices follow statutory timelines (staff must be notified by May 15 when nonrenewal is a possibility) and that the district would inform employees as soon as possible. She emphasized many of the planned reductions rely on attrition, retirements, leaves of absence and not backfilling positions where practical.

Public comment at the meeting focused on student mental-health supports. Hillary Maguire, a paraeducator who identified herself as working at Post Middle School, urged the board: "Please don't cut our counseling staff," saying counselors were sometimes unavailable and students were placed on waiting lists. Board members and staff said they "gravely considered" the public comment and that the district is continuing to evaluate counseling needs, including expanding contracted services and pursuing grants.

The motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Director Diamond and seconded by Director Knap. The clerk recorded the roll-call vote as unanimous: Diamond — yes; Kelly — yes; Watts — yes; President Beck — yes; Knap — yes.

What happens next: staff said they will continue to refine the specific positions and FTE that will be affected and return with details where required by law or bargaining obligations. Zutenhorse reiterated that the board will see a draft state-format budget (F-195) in July, with final budget adoption required by state statute by August 31.

The board noted the troubling nature of the choices before them: the staff presentation repeatedly framed the candidate list as a set of "really bad ideas" because every potential cut affects students or staff. For now the resolution creates the legal authority to proceed with a reduced educational program while staff work through seniority, bargaining, and notification rules.