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Albany board directs superintendent to prepare reduction‑in‑force plan as budget forecast improves but gap remains
Summary
The Greater Albany school board voted to direct the superintendent to draft a reduction‑in‑force (RIF) plan after hearing updated budget projections that reduced a previously estimated $10 million shortfall to roughly $6.6 million for 2026–27. The board also appointed two members to lead the superintendent evaluation process and approved adding administrator feedback questions to the evaluation form.
The Greater Albany Public School District board voted to direct the superintendent to prepare a reduction‑in‑force plan as part of its response to ongoing budget uncertainty.
Board members moved and approved a directive instructing the superintendent to prepare a RIF plan identifying which certified positions could be affected, consistent with district policy requiring a formal plan before any personnel reductions. The motion passed by voice vote.
The vote followed a district budget update that trimmed an earlier projection of a $10 million deficit for the 2026–27 general fund to about $6.6 million after updated state estimates and program adjustments. Jane (district finance staff) told the board that updated state revenue estimates, adjustments to Student Investment Account expenditures and updated enrollment figures narrowed the gap but left uncertainty until final state allocations and tax projections are confirmed.
“Every day the picture changes,” Jane said while summarizing the estimates and the state’s planned rework of 2026–27 numbers; she cautioned the board the projection remains fluid and subject to further revision.
Separately the board appointed Brad and Chris to lead the superintendent evaluation process and approved the evaluation form with one additional administrator feedback question asking building leaders whether they were “getting what you need” from the district office. A voice vote approved the revision of the evaluation materials; one member recorded opposition on the evaluation form motion.
Board members discussed timing and logistics for the RIF plan work, emphasizing the need for the plan to be ready for review at future board meetings if staffing reductions become unavoidable. The motion directed the superintendent to return with a plan for certification‑level positions and the district’s recommended priorities and processes.
The board also scheduled an executive session to follow the regular meeting on May 18 to continue personnel and other confidential discussions.
Next steps: district staff will prepare the RIF plan and return to the board with specifics; the budget picture will be updated as the state issues revised estimates and the district reconciles ADM and tax projections.
