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Superintendent urges board to consider cutting federally funded positions amid Title II/III/IV uncertainty
Summary
Superintendent Banner told the Clover Park School District board that uncertainty over federal Title II, III and IV payments requires a fiscally conservative approach and recommended the board consider by resolution on March 9 eliminating several positions funded by those grants; directors pressed for details on how duties would be redistributed and voiced concern about cutting an equity coordinator.
Superintendent Banner told the Clover Park School District Board of Directors on Feb. 23 that uncertainty last year over federal Title II, III and IV payments has left the district facing budget risk for the 2026–27 school year and recommended the board "consider by resolution at the March 9th, 2026 regular meeting eliminating the following positions" that are currently funded by those federal titles.
Banner said the district convened a forecasting team that reviewed programs and staff paid through Title II, III and IV and that the recommendation is rooted in a "fiscally conservative" approach to avoid a funding "yo‑yo" if reimbursements are delayed or reduced. The packet lists the roles affected; in Superintendent Banner’s presentation she itemized changes in positions and hours, including "6.7 hours of PAR educator time," "0.5 position which is a certificated teacher on special assignment," a fractional family-and-community partnership coordinator position, and "1.0 position equity diversity and inclusion coordinator." Banner said affected employees and departments have already been notified either in person or by email.
Directors asked how the work performed by those positions would be carried forward. Administration said responsibilities would be consolidated within the affected departments, with department leaders assigning pieces of the work and staff submitting plans for how duties would continue if the board approves the resolution. Banner emphasized the district would not finalize recovery plans until after board action.
Several directors voiced concern about impacts, particularly for equity work. Director Cowwell said losing a full-time equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator "concerns me," and board members asked whether the district would be able to sustain EDI efforts. Banner responded that the executive director for equity, community engagement and student services will build a plan to support the work and that the district intends to continue EDI efforts even if not at full capacity.
No formal action was taken at the workshop. Banner framed the recommendation as the administration’s posture ahead of a possible resolution at the board’s March 9 meeting; any formal eliminations or changes would require subsequent board action and follow-up plans from affected departments.
