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Superintendent warns of possible grant reductions in draft state budget scenarios
Summary
The superintendent told the board that recent draft 'OD reduction' plans circulated by OSBA outline 1%–5% scenarios that target grants; while nothing is cut this school year, some grants could be reduced or eliminated next school year depending on legislative action and the economic forecast due this week.
The superintendent told the Milton-Freewater Unified SD 7 board that statewide draft reduction plans circulated by the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) show potential 1%–5% reductions that focus on grants. He emphasized the draft renditions are scenarios, not final cuts, but said some grants could be reduced or removed next school year under certain versions of the plan.
"I think probably the big news is the OD budget," the superintendent said, describing the multiple renditions he has seen and noting that the versions are a form of homework for districts to understand possible impacts. He said nothing was cut for the current school year in the versions he’d reviewed, but that reductions could take effect next year and that the Legislature will make final decisions after an economic forecast expected Wednesday and committee activity this week.
The superintendent said he has contacted legislators to provide information on likely local impacts and that the district would monitor the forecast and legislative actions in January. Board members asked about timing for contract and staffing decisions; the superintendent said the district expects to have more clarity by spring, which would allow more time to plan rather than making deep cuts immediately.
The board resolved to watch the forecast and stay in contact with legislators and OSBA for updated guidance.
