Ontario SD 8C: Superintendent says finances are stable, district will avoid layoffs via attrition

Superintendent Nicole Albisu told the Ontario School District 8C board on Oct. 27 that the district remains in a "healthy" financial position despite recent grant reductions and budget pressures. She said the district has made adjustments to protect staff and core programs and will continue monthly Superintendent Report updates to keep the public informed.

Director of Finance Devin Collins reported the district has "about seven months' worth of savings to keep functioning," a cushion the administration said it is using to manage near-term obligations. Albisu described ongoing budget conversations at the state level and meetings with other Oregon superintendents to share strategies for proposed funding shifts. She said the district is not pursuing layoffs: "the district is not trying to do a reduction in force, but we are doing it by attrition," Albisu said, and staff requests for purchases are being routed through building administrators to control discretionary spending.

Vice-Chair Abby Apodaca urged clearer public messaging about how the district is saving money and the benefits of avoiding “pay by play” purchases. Chair Bret Uptmor and Albisu said the board will review communications options; Albisu said the district will continue sharing budget updates during public meetings so the community can follow adjustments as they occur.

No motions or votes were taken at the work session; the update was presented for the board’s information ahead of the superintendent evaluation and any future policy changes.