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Superintendent warns of roughly $1.5M shortfall as enrollment declines
Summary
Superintendent Gallagher told the board the district projects roughly $19.57M in revenue against more than $21M in roll-up costs, leaving an estimated shortfall near $1.5M; the administration outlined savings already made and potential state funding or policy changes that could alter the picture.
Superintendent Gallagher told the Coquille School District board that the district faces a projected budget shortfall of about $1.5 million as a result of declining enrollment and rising costs.
Gallagher presented the district's revenue and cost estimates: the district is projecting total revenue near $19.57 million for the next year versus projected roll-up costs a little over $21 million. "So right now, we're estimating a budget shortfall of about $1,500,000," Gallagher said. He also noted a state funding estimate that would add roughly $413,000 compared with the previous year but said that still leaves a substantial gap.
Gallagher detailed steps already taken to reduce costs, including not replacing a maintenance supervisor, consolidating business-office work and reassigning staff; he said those moves have saved about $462,000 so far but the district still needs to find additional savings in the neighborhood of $1 million. He stressed the biennial funding structure and that final numbers may change after the state's May and June budget estimates. Gallagher also flagged possible changes to how special-education weightings are applied (an 11% cap under consideration for revision) that could bring additional revenue if the cap is lifted.
The superintendent urged patience while state estimates evolve and said the board would see updated May and June forecasts before final budget decisions. The board did not take a final budget vote at the meeting but directed staff to continue developing options.
