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Port Angeles School District board adopts resolution authorizing staffing reductions to address $1.9 million shortfall
Summary
On May 7, 2026 the Port Angeles School District Board approved Resolution 252614 directing the superintendent to develop a reduced educational program and reduction-in-force to address a projected $1.9 million budget gap tied to a 135-student enrollment loss and rising costs.
The Port Angeles School District Board of Directors on May 7 unanimously moved forward with a resolution authorizing staffing reductions and budget reorganization after Superintendent Olsen said the district faces a projected $1.9 million gap for the 2026–27 school year.
Superintendent Olsen told the board the shortfall stems primarily from an enrollment decline of roughly 135 students, reduced categorical and TK funding, the end of a MTSS grant and state funding that has not met inflationary increases. “That difference was about $1.9 million,” Olsen said during her presentation.
The resolution (252614) directs the superintendent to prepare a reduced educational program and notify employees who may be affected so the district can present a balanced operating budget for public hearing and adoption. Exhibit 1 attached to the resolution identified several specific staffing changes the administration is proposing: elimination of one French teacher position (1.0 FTE), one maintenance position (1.0 FTE) and reductions totaling 7.0 paraeducator FTEs. The presentation also noted attrition (retirements, resignations or transfers) will eliminate an additional 8.3 certificated positions and 5.0 classified positions in the district’s planning figures.
Olsen said the proposed staffing reductions and anticipated attrition would not completely close the $1.9 million gap and that the district expects an additional shortfall of about $500,000. She said the district will reduce materials, supplies and operating costs (MSOCs) to address the remaining deficit and continue to review budget lines for further efficiencies.
Board members asked procedural and legal questions. The superintendent and the finance director said they had consulted with union leadership and would follow Washington law and collective-bargaining agreements during notifications. The board clarified statutory notice timelines discussed during the meeting: certificated staff notifications must be issued by May 15 and classified paraeducator notices must be provided 30 days before the last day of school.
Board discussion emphasized the district’s aim to protect classroom programs where possible and to use attrition first. Directors also stressed the need to preserve the district’s fiscal standing ahead of planned bond work. After discussion, a motion to adopt Resolution 252614 carried by voice vote; the record shows members voting in favor and at least one member opposed during the roll call of the voice vote.
The board also approved a routine annual resolution to remain part of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) for 2026–27 earlier in the meeting.
Next steps: the superintendent is authorized to notify affected employees, prepare the 2026–27 operating budget under the reduced-educational-program parameters and return to the board with a budget for public hearing and adoption.
