Cascade School District board approves staffing recommendations, accepts long-serving teacher's retirement and sets class-size caps

The Cascade School District Board of Education met May 11, 2026, in the district office boardroom and via Zoom and approved several routine resolutions while receiving updates on enrollment, the budget and school programs.

The board approved new staff recommendations and accepted the retirement of Michael Hawkins, a sixth-grade teacher with 37 years in the district. Both actions were moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote. The board also adopted the fall 2026 class-size recommendations as presented by administration.

Superintendent (S4) told the board the district is planning budget reductions for a second consecutive year but expects to retain the core resources needed for classroom instruction. He reported current enrollment at about 2,760 students, roughly 25–40 more than at the same time last year, and warned that a large senior class may be followed by a smaller kindergarten cohort, which could affect future staffing and budget planning. "We will have the required resources, not the extra resources," he said, urging caution as the district finalizes next year’s budget.

Finance director (S13) provided a three-year view of district finances, saying the projected ending fund balance is about $2.2 million compared with last year’s budgeted $2.4 million and that staff are budgeting with a target reserve of roughly 3.5% of revenue for next year. S13 described the district as "managing" services despite shrinking savings and invited board questions about the cash-flow chart presented in the packet.

Board members asked for enrollment clarifications. Enrollment/registrar staff (S9) said the first transfer deadline is May 31, that transfer requests are reviewed after school ends, and that the district uses a lottery system to fill transfer slots, with parents notified by email whether a student is approved or waitlisted.

Principals and assistant principals reported on school programs and events. High school principal (S11) invited the board to graduation on June 3 and noted an unusually large group of 17 valedictorians this year under the district’s honors requirements. The district’s recent career fair drew about 80 vendors and roughly 950 students; several students reported job offers or interviews afterward, the assistant principal (S6) said. Junior high assistant principal (S14) highlighted that four junior-high athletes qualified for the state meet and noted growth in girls wrestling. Cloverdale elementary principal (S7) described a new "One Book One School" social-emotional learning initiative using books by author Trudy Ludwig; the publisher provided bulk pricing and Ludwig is scheduled to visit.

Turner Elementary and community representatives (S5 and S15) described a long-running car-show fundraiser that historically supports the senior all-night party and is now spreading proceeds to other Cascade programs; administrators emphasized that the all-night event remains costly and parents still engage in fundraising.

During discussion of class-size recommendations, board member (S3) asked whether caps could be amended later; administration (S4) said the board could bring changes back if needed but noted that reversing caps may be difficult once implemented. The board adopted the class-size recommendations by voice vote.

The board briefly discussed future scheduling and a proposed change to hold the July meeting on the district’s fourth Monday; staff will circulate a reminder about the tentative date. The meeting was then adjourned.

Votes at a glance - Approval of April 13, 2026 meeting minutes: moved by S3; voice vote, motion carries. - Resolution 8a — New staff recommendations (Brianna Carter; Brian Darden; Tyler Cobalt; Jerry Goldberg; Katie Keaty; Stacy Woodward): moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. - Resolution 8b — Acceptance of retirement of Michael Hawkins (sixth-grade teacher): moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. - Resolution 8c — Recognition of 17 Cascade High School valedictorians for class of 2026: moved and seconded; approved by voice vote. - Resolution 8d — Fall 2026 class-size recommendations: moved and seconded; approved by voice vote.

Next steps and context: Administration will continue budget and enrollment monitoring over the summer and notify parents of transfer lottery outcomes. Staff will confirm the July meeting date and notify board members and the public.