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Philomath SD 17J staff: enrollment decline could trim State School Fund by about $200,000
Summary
District staff told the budget committee enrollment (ADM) fell from an estimated 1,675 to about 1,614–1,619, prompting a preliminary estimate of roughly $200,000 less in State School Fund revenue and a temporary hold on reserve transfers pending final state figures.
Staff member (Budget staff, Philomath SD 17J) told the budget committee that when the 2024–25 budget was prepared the district used an estimated average daily membership (ADM) of about 1,675, but current attendance sits near 1,614–1,619. "We estimated that we would be around 1,675 ADM and we're actually around 1,614–1,619 right now," the presenter said.
Staff offered a preliminary calculation: "I think we'll see a decrease of about $200,000 in State School fund Revenue," and said the district has delayed some planned transfers (including a roughly $160,000 transfer to reserves) until the Oregon Department of Education completes its recalculation. The presenter said certain local revenues and grants (the common school fund, higher SIA and Measure 98 receipts) are helping offset the shortfall, but the final net impact depends on the state's official estimate.
The presenter emphasized the district's approach: be conservative in enrollment estimates for 2025–26 to avoid a twice-bad funding swing if numbers fall. Staff also noted broader demographic trends (lower birth rates, transfers out of the area) as contributors to the decline.
What comes next: staff will wait for the state's recalculation, then present updated revenue estimates and proposed transfers at upcoming work sessions so the committee can consider trade-offs before the May legally noticed hearing.
