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Superintendent warns low February turnout could force $4–5M cuts if levy fails
Summary
Board heard a superintendent update on low February ballot turnout and the financial risks to the district, including a possible $4–5 million budget reduction and staff layoff notices if a double levy failure occurs.
The board heard a detailed update from the superintendent on the February ballot and district finances, who said turnout was far below typical February patterns and that final results will be posted by the county auditor. "Currently, including the 5PM update... we have 84 votes and we typically get 1,200," the superintendent said, noting turnout skews older and that younger voters historically participate less on school measures.
The superintendent warned of concrete consequences if levies fail: "Then we would need to cut 4 to 5,000,000 out of the budget... we would have to notify staff of layoffs by May 15." She said federal funds (Title I and special education) are expected through the current year but are not guaranteed beyond that timeframe, and staff would begin preparing contingency plans and would need to follow union bargaining processes before implementing cuts. The board discussed contingency timing and the possibility of a special meeting to consider placing another measure on the April ballot if needed.
