Cascade School Board Hears Models for State Funding Cuts; Finance Director Flags $440,000 Shortfall in Two Months

Superintendent Mr. Drill and Finance Director Mr. Wong briefed the Cascade School Board on enrollment gains and mounting budget uncertainty tied to statewide revenue projections.

Mr. Drill said the district is "still up about 55 to 60 students," but cautioned that a recent federal tax change has altered Oregon's revenue assumptions and that state agencies are modeling cuts. "Consequently, Cascade — myself, William, Jay to some extent — we are all having a conversation about what that might look like for Cascade," he said, adding that the district is preparing 1%, 2.5% and 5% reduction scenarios while awaiting the next quarterly economic report.

Mr. Wong told the board that higher purchasing costs already have had a measurable impact. "Within two months, has cost us more than $440,000," he said, comparing current-year purchasing costs with the previous year. He also emphasized the role of the district's PERS reserve fund as a buffer and noted that an illustrative 2.5% state funding cut could total "$1.5 million for us," language he used while explaining modeling assumptions.

Board members discussed reserve sustainability and timing: administrators said they expect a clearer picture after the state's next forecast and the February legislative session. The board was told the reserve gives the district flexibility in the near term but that deeper cuts could force conversations about personnel or program reductions.

The board did not take formal action on budget reductions at the meeting; staff said they will return with updated scenarios and recommendations after state forecasts are published.