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Camas School Board flags tighter finances as enrollment stabilizes but long‑term deficits loom
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Anzalone reported year‑end basic‑education enrollment of about 6,803 FTE and a preliminary 2026–27 budget that yields a small net income this year but projects multimillion‑dollar shortfalls in later years, prompting staff to plan revenue adjustments and potential reductions.
The Camas School District Board heard a budget status update and a preliminary 2026–27 budget that projects a slim positive result for the current year but warns of larger shortfalls ahead.
“We end the year, with a basic ed enrollment of 6,803,” Superintendent Dr. Anzalone said while reviewing year‑end figures, which the district reported as roughly 45 students above its projection. Business services staff told the board that additional apportionment funding added about $818,000 to revenues for the year and that projected net income through May was about $400,000.
The preliminary 2026–27 general‑fund budget shows projected revenues of $135.6 million against expenditures of $135.7 million — a small decline in fund balance that would leave an ending balance near $7.7–7.8 million, roughly 5 percent of expenditures. Board policy reserves target about 8 percent. Finance staff highlighted that the district’s fund balance remains above a critical “red line” but below policy levels.
Looking out, the district’s four‑year forecast under straight‑roll enrollment assumptions forecasts larger gaps: staff showed a potential $4.0 million shortfall for 2027–28 and $5.7 million for 2028–29 if no offsets are adopted. Kim in business services said the special‑education population has grown about 2 percent since COVID and that enrollment mix will continue to affect revenue trends.
To address the gap, staff outlined a mix of revenue and expenditure options already under consideration: raising meal and community‑education rates, reallocating some staff and costs to capital/levy funds (including moving an SRO contract and a tech‑levy position), optimizing transportation routes with new software, and targeting modest staffing changes only when necessary. Kim said the district identified roughly $1.6 million in savings from many small adjustments but noted that larger structural decisions remain for next year.
Board members encouraged continued conservative planning. The superintendent said cabinet and principals will continue detailed summer work on the 2027–28 reductions and bring specific proposals back to the board for action.
Next steps: staff will refine the preliminary budget and four‑year forecast over the summer and return to the board with proposed reductions or revenue adjustments during the coming budget cycle.
