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Superintendent outlines enrollment trend and $1.5M projected budget shortfall
Summary
Superintendent Gallagher told the board the district expects a roughly $1.5 million shortfall based on current revenue and projected roll‑up costs, described steps already taken that saved about $462,000, and flagged uncertainty until state May and June estimates arrive.
Superintendent Gallagher told the board that Coquille School District expects a budget shortfall of about $1.5 million for the coming year, based on projected revenues of roughly $19.57 million and roll‑up costs a bit over $21 million.
Gallagher said the district anticipates an increase in state school fund dollars — an estimated $413,000 more next year — but that other revenue sources (property taxes, investments, admissions, child development fees) and costs (salaries, benefits, debt service) leave a funding gap. Gallagher listed already‑taken savings that total approximately $462,000 — including not replacing a maintenance supervisor and moving staff responsibilities, hiring a district business manager to replace ESD services, and delaying hiring a K‑1 teacher at Winter Lakes Elementary — leaving the district still seeking just over $1,000,000 in additional reductions or revenues.
He highlighted structural costs that constrain options: about $850,000 in annual debt payments (not expected to be paid off until 2038), large salary and benefit pools (certified staff estimated at $7.5M; classified about $5M), and a contingency target of $1,000,000. Gallagher said the district will continue to pursue administrative adjustments, look to the May state revenue estimate for possible improvements and warned the board that final numbers may not be known until late June when the legislative session concludes.
