Stevenson‑Carson board weighs closing WRMS to cut $636,600 from budget

Superintendent Ingrid Colvard told the Stevenson‑Carson School District Board of Directors that closing West Ridge Middle School (WRMS) and moving its students into Stevenson High School (SHS) would yield estimated cost savings of $636,600, with a one‑time move cost of about $20,000 in the first year.

Colvard described operational mitigations if the board approved consolidation: middle‑school students could be assigned a separate hallway and restroom, the WRMS gym could remain available for facility use, and existing staff structures such as Chris Perk’s .2 dean of students position would be leaned on for supervision and counseling support. She told the board the district still needs to identify an additional $300,000 in cuts beyond the WRMS savings to balance the budget.

Chief financial presenter Kathy McKee and board members discussed timeline constraints: certificated employees affected by reductions in force must be notified by May 15 under statewide timelines, and the board proposed holding a public hearing on April 18 at 6 p.m. to gather community comment before any vote. Board member Mark Chambers said this year’s decision is different because “there are no other options,” noting that last year multiple alternatives were considered when community involvement was high.

The board did not vote on consolidation at the March 27 meeting but directed staff to proceed with the hearing process and further budget analysis. The hearing date and next steps were added to the district calendar for public notice.