Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton board approves cuts to programs and positions amid $300,000 shortfall

The Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton School Board voted to approve a resolution reducing and discontinuing certain educational programs and positions, a move administrators said is intended to reduce the district’s projected general-fund shortfall.

Board members approved the resolution after a presentation from district administrators who described an enrollment decline of about 100 students since 2021–22 and estimated immediate-year savings of roughly $262,200 from proposed cuts. Superintendent Jeremy summarized the items as reductions in several FTEs (elementary staffing, district music, elementary special education and the media center specialist) and said the figures are estimates and not yet final. "We've had a decrease in enrollment of approximately a hundred students from the 21–22 school year, which was our high point," the superintendent said, adding that the loss equates to about $1 million less revenue compared with the high point.

Nut graf: District treasurer Wendy and administrators told the board the district faces an ongoing structural gap — Wendy said the general fund still looks to a deficit near $300,000 for the year — and that the proposed reductions would lower expenses but are not, by themselves, sufficient to eliminate the shortfall. Board members questioned whether the proposed $262,200 in immediate savings would be enough and pressed staff about other revenue options and the timing for any additional personnel reductions.

During discussion board members asked for clarity on next steps. Administrators said they will continue modeling special-education numbers and other factors and that additional reductions could be brought forward if needed; however, because of contract language any additional reductions affecting certified staff would need to be approved by the end of the month. The board discussed pursuing revenue opportunities such as advertising and sponsorships to offset the gap.

The resolution passed by vote; the meeting record notes the motion carried. The board and staff repeatedly characterized the figures as estimates and emphasized that details such as final personnel assignments and contract impacts remain subject to further process and notification requirements. The board indicated the possibility of scheduling a special meeting by the end of the month if additional certified-staff reductions are required.

The superintendent and treasurer reiterated that the numbers will be refined in the coming weeks and that the board will be presented with any proposed additional changes before implementation.