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ORCA's enrollment growth drives major pass-throughs for Santiam Canyon, presenter says
Summary
The Oregon Charter Academy reported continued enrollment gains that will increase pass-through state funding handled by Santiam Canyon SD; ORCA said its 2026'27 budget includes a planned reserve and hiring to meet growth.
Steve Nelson, finance director for Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA), told the Santiam Canyon board that ORCA's enrollment has risen to about 3,200 students and that its adopted 2026'27 budget is built on a planned ADMr of 2,820. Nelson said the school budgets revenue of just over $40 million and plans a $1 million reserve and modest surplus.
Nelson explained how state school fund (SSF) dollars flow through Santiam Canyon as ORCA's sponsor and stressed that the sponsor fees booked by the district reflect management and sponsoring services. "Those two numbers come up to about $1.7 million," he said, referring to the sponsor fee and management fee booked on the Santiam Canyon side. The board and budget committee discussed how ORCA revenue influences Santiam Canyon's overall budget, and staff reiterated that much of the district's budgeted expenditures are pass-throughs tied to ORCA activity.
ORCA also reported a hiring season to support enrollment growth, including plans for new classroom teachers and one administrator. Nelson said the organization budgets a planned reserve to provide flexibility if enrollment or funding projections change.
