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Rainier SD 13 board authorizes possible reduction in force as FY27 budget gap looms
Summary
Faced with a projected FY26–27 shortfall (~$1.3–1.4M) driven by rising PERS costs and a $700,000 side‑account expiration, the board authorized the superintendent to implement a reduction in force if needed; vote passed 6–0 with one abstention.
The Rainier School District 13 board on March 9 voted to authorize the superintendent and staff to implement a reduction in force (RIF) for the 2026–27 school year if necessary to close a projected budget shortfall.
Administrators told the board the preliminary 2026–27 budget projects roughly $18 million in revenue against nearly $19.77 million in expenses, leaving a gap of about $1.3–1.4 million. Staff attributed the deficit primarily to rising PERS employer contribution rates and the upcoming expiration of a local side account that the district has relied on — an expiration staff estimated will increase costs by about $700,000 starting in mid‑2027.
Superintendent and finance staff stressed the RIF authorization is a contingency measure to meet legal and contractual obligations and to avoid more disruptive mid‑year layoffs. The superintendent said attrition and careful budget reductions would be pursued first where possible.
Board members discussed the human impact and emphasized protecting students and core services where feasible. After discussion, the board moved and seconded the resolution; the motion passed (recorded in the minutes as six yes, zero no, one abstention).
What happens next: Staff will continue the budget process, refine revenue/expense projections, pursue attrition and other non‑personnel reductions where feasible, and return to the board with any recommended RIF specifics if they become necessary.
