North Marion board authorizes superintendent to begin possible reduction‑in‑force procedures for 2026–27

The North Marion School District board voted to give the superintendent authorization to begin the procedural steps for a possible reduction in force (RIF) for the 2026–27 school year as a precautionary measure.

Superintendent Dan Bush told staff and board members that the authorization is intended to prepare the district in case state budget reconciliation shows the district is overstaffed. He said the steps include publishing seniority lists and reviewing those lists with the unions so any errors can be corrected before decisions are finalized. "I would rather be in a situation of having gone through the steps necessary to conduct a RIF and not need them versus to be in a panic situation," he said, adding that last year’s approach (larger-scale reassignments) would likely not be repeated because any reductions this year would be small and start from the bottom of seniority lists.

The superintendent stressed the ask is precautionary; staff held multiple Q&A sessions for employees and committed to four updates between now and the end of May (the transcript noted updates will continue every two weeks) to keep staff informed of budget developments. A board member asked whether the process will resemble last year’s approach; the superintendent said it would likely differ and be more limited.

Board action: A motion to authorize the superintendent to conduct a reduction in force was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

What remains unresolved: The authorization allows staff to begin preparatory steps but does not itself effect layoffs or personnel changes; any actual reductions would follow the negotiated procedures and further board action where required.