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District study session flags steep enrollment drop and forms advisory committee to explore options
Summary
Superintendent Mulik told the Jefferson Elementary School District board that enrollment has fallen roughly 1,000 students since 2016–17 and outlined options — from fee‑based preschool and higher facility rentals to right‑sizing staff and, as a last resort, school consolidation. The board asked for broad community representation on an advisory committee.
Superintendent Mulik opened a study session on the district nd budget Tuesday, saying the meeting was "the first step in a long process" to respond to declining enrollment and related funding pressures. She said the district has seen about a 1,000‑student decline since 2016–17 and that, because funding follows attendance, the drop has tightened program and staffing options.
Mulik told trustees the district—xperienced a near‑20% decline from its peak eight years ago, and that revenue spiked in 2022 because of one‑time COVID relief funds that are now expiring. "Now that these one‑time funds are expiring we need to explore ways to increase revenue or reduce expenditures while maintaining the quality of our academic programs," she said.
The presentation reviewed multi‑year revenue and expenditure charts, classroom utilization at individual school sites and the distribution of special‑day classrooms. Mulik said the district currently has reserves that provide time for planning, but described a structural deficit requiring attention over coming years.
To guide that work, Mulik recommended expanding the superintendent dvisory budget and facilities committee to include staff, family and community members and a school finance expert to develop recommendations to the full board. She proposed forming the committee this spring and beginning meetings in August or September.
Trustees pressed for specifics on committee membership and timeline and urged stronger outreach to prospective families. Trustee Andrea Jordan and others suggested marketing efforts, using city newsletters, the Chamber of Commerce and social media to publicize kindergarten/TK offerings and interdistrict transfer options. One trustee also urged the inclusion of teachers' union and classified employee representatives on the advisory committee.
Board members and commenters discussed potential revenue ideas Mulik outlined, including raising facility rental rates, identifying surplus property for lease, offering fee‑based preschool slots to families that do not qualify for state preschool, and maximizing grant opportunities such as the Community Schools Grant and expanded learning program funds. Mulik stressed that any consideration of school consolidation or closure would be "a last resort" that would require broad community input and possible bond financing for replacement facilities.
A parent who addressed the board during the study session urged the district to better promote TK and early education and to invite families to see classrooms; Mulik and trustees agreed outreach and clear communication would be part of the committee's work.
The study session did not produce any vote; Mulik said she would return to the board with committee recommendations after initial formation and consultation with community stakeholders.
