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Vernonia School Board approves mid‑year staff reductions to counter budget shortfall
Summary
The Vernonia School District board unanimously approved Resolution #2026‑01 authorizing mid‑year staff reductions after administrators cited higher expenditures, a drop in transportation reimbursements and lower revenue; the district said supports will be offered to impacted staff.
The Vernonia School District Board of Directors voted unanimously Oct. 9 to approve Resolution #2026‑01 authorizing mid‑year staff reductions for the 2025–26 school year to address a growing budget shortfall.
Superintendent Jim Helmen and Business Manager Marie Knight told the board the district’s expenditures came in higher than projected — including a 16% contract obligation for employee pay — while revenue was lower than expected. Staff said a change in transportation reimbursement, from an anticipated 80% to a 70% rate, contributed to the shortfall. The district noted a $500,000 reserve helped offset required repayments but concluded reductions now would avert larger cuts later in the year.
Board member Lisa Curry moved to approve the resolution and Alicia Mahoney seconded; the motion passed unanimously among the members present. The board members in attendance were Lisa Curry, Amy Cieloha, Greg Kintz and Alicia Mahoney.
Union representative Brett Costley, speaking during audience questions, emphasized the financial pressure on staff, saying, “the 16% increase mentioned earlier is the teacher pay increase, which is still behind other districts.” Board discussion acknowledged concerns about transparency; several board members and the superintendent said an internal audit had been conducted and monthly finance meetings between the superintendent and business manager would continue.
Superintendent Helmen outlined district supports for employees affected by reductions, including assistance with letters of recommendation, outreach to other districts, possible temporary insurance extensions and counseling services. Helmen and Knight said the district will continue monitoring enrollment and revenues and will return to the board with implementation details and timelines for any personnel actions.
The board did not provide a detailed list of positions affected at the meeting; implementation steps and timelines were described as forthcoming.
