Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stevenson-Carson faces $1.85 million shortfall; board proposes deep staff cuts
Summary
Superintendent Ingrid Colvard told the board the district must cut $1.85 million to balance the budget after enrollment declines and lost federal SRS funds; the plan lists multiple FTE reductions and the district warned student supports would be most affected.
The Stevenson-Carson School District on April 24 was told it must reduce recurring costs by $1.85 million to balance next year’s budget, Superintendent Ingrid Colvard said.
Colvard and CFO Kathy McKee presented a package of proposed staffing and program reductions that would save money partly by moving grades (returning 7th–8th graders to the high school and 6th graders to the elementary) and by reducing positions across certificated and classified staff. "The annual cost reduction needed to balance the district budget is $1.85 million," the presentation said.
The draft plan identifies specific full-time-equivalent reductions: 2 FTE elementary teachers, 1 FTE elementary math specialist, 1 FTE elementary behavior teacher, 0.2 FTE elementary P.E., 1 FTE middle school counselor, 4.4 secondary teacher positions, 0.5 FTE technology, 3 FTE paraeducators, 1 FTE principal, 1 FTE assistant cook, 1 FTE head custodian, 1 FTE bus driver, 1.2 FTE district staff, 0.2 FTE athletic director, and 2 student support positions through ESD contracts. The board was told some vacancies reflect employees who have chosen to leave and are not being replaced; Colvard emphasized these are position reductions, not individualized personnel decisions.
Board members and community speakers pressed the district for alternatives. Certificated union president Devin Kuh raised concerns about how the district will continue to support students with fewer staff. Community members urged the board to consider a four-day school week or voluntary givebacks rather than layoffs. Colvard said she would entertain a conversation about concessions only if initiated by the union and reminded the board she cannot bargain in a public meeting.
Colvard said student supports would be prioritized for restoration if funding returns. "There is nothing easy about the decision to riff staff and she is going to try to find a way to bring staff back," the superintendent said following the resolution vote.
