Coquille SD warns of enrollment decline and multimillion‑dollar budget shortfall

The Coquille School District superintendent told the board the district is facing sustained enrollment losses and a resulting budget shortfall that will require further adjustments. "We are expecting to start next school year with 1,130 students," the superintendent said, and noted the district is budgeting next year on that lower count.

District financial projections presented to the board estimated total revenue at about $19,981,000 and projected roll‑up costs around $21,361,000, leaving a gap that staff are addressing through a spending slowdown and targeted reductions. The superintendent said prior strategic savings identified $1,759,000 and that a remaining shortfall of roughly $378,000 allowed staff to restore four teaching positions this cycle. Board members pressed staff for enrollment detail and the superintendent promised a follow‑up two‑week report on where lost students have enrolled.

The presentation included per‑student loss math: staff used the district formula estimate (per‑student funding roughly $11,940) to show that a modest drop in enrollment produces a six‑figure revenue loss (the superintendent cited a projected revenue loss of about $1,038,780 tied to enrollment declines). Officials also warned that Senate Bill 141 accountability measures will concentrate attention on targeted grade‑level outcomes and attendance, raising the stakes for meeting state expectations.