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Superintendent warns of $1.8 million budget gap as enrollment declines
Summary
District superintendent reported enrollment declines and projected a potential $1.8 million reduction needed in next year’s budget, citing state funding per pupil, PERS costs and roll‑up expenses tied to new assessment and other mandates.
Superintendent (role label used in meeting) told the board the district is tracking lower enrollment and that the administration has submitted a conservative projection to the state. He said, "we have submitted the 11:30 number to the state" (1,130 students) and warned that the lower projection reduces expected revenue. The superintendent said the district currently receives $11,048 per student and that the enrollment change equates to "a decrease of funding of $773,000 for the district for next school year." He also reported roll‑up cost estimates (including mandated assessments and other increases) and a current estimate that "we are $1,800,000 needs to be cut out of our budget for next school year."
Board members and staff discussed cost drivers including PERS employer rates. The superintendent noted the district’s PERS burden is higher than many peers (described in the meeting as "27% plus we pick up to 6%" for a total of 33% employer cost). He said administrators will work with the board to develop a plan and present it at the February meeting. The superintendent framed the figures as estimates and said the dollar amounts may change as more precise invoices arrive.
