Stevenson-Carson board hears $570,000 enrollment-driven shortfall, approves RIF affecting 1.2 FTE

Stevenson-Carson School District Superintendent Ingrid Colvard told the board the district's enrollment forecast produces a projected $570,000 deficit for 2026–27, driven by lower student counts and pending increases in insurance costs.

"The projected enrollment comes to a $570,000 deficit," Colvard said, adding that some expense items (notably Risk Co-Op increases) are still being finalized. She said Risk Co-Op costs could rise by about 18 percent and that potential workers' compensation and unemployment rebates might mitigate but not erase the shortfall.

The board approved Resolution 25/26-6, a Reduction in Force. Colvard said the district will issue RIF notices to 1.2 FTE employees and that the reductions are enrollment-based; she emphasized that no Classified or NonRep staff were being cut. "RIF notices will go out to 1.2 FTE employees," the superintendent said.

Board members pressed for more data before making program changes tied to staffing. Chair Mark Chambers and others asked staff to return with participation numbers and cost breakdowns for athletics and other discretionary programs. Colvard said staff will provide sport participation and cost information at the next meeting and noted last year the district reduced athletics funding by $45,000.

The resolution passed by voice vote; the minutes record the motion and that the motion "carried" but do not list roll-call tallies.