The West Linn-Wilsonville School District is increasing proposed budget cuts for the 2024-25 school year from $4 million to $10 million, according to a message sent to the community via Parent Square on Tuesday, April 30.
These cuts include approximately $4.5 million in districtwide departmental and operational budget reductions, $4 million in administrative and support personnel and approximately $1.5 million in primary classroom teacher reductions — or 12 teacher positions.
The district cited higher “costs associated with insurance rates, supplies & materials, and utilities,” lower state and federal grant estimates and increased substitute teacher vendor contract payroll costs.
The message comes after a special school board meeting on the morning of Monday, April 29, during which the school board voted to approve “reductions in force” and provide 90 days notice per Article 14 of the West Linn-Wilsonville Education Association Collective Bargaining Agreement and state statute.
“Like other Oregon school districts, West Linn-Wilsonville has experienced the depletion of pandemic-related reserve funds, as well as inadequate state funding that is projected to be lower than actual higher workforce costs and inflation. These reductions are needed to balance the budget,” the district said in the message. “As projected revenue becomes more clear, it has become evident that the district will need to make approximately $10 million in reductions in 2024-25. This is approximately 6.5% of the district’s general fund expenditures budget. Based on the 2025-27 state funding biennium allocation, another reduction the following year(s) may or may not be needed.”
The message said the 12 primary classroom teacher reductions stem from decreased student enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Oregon, state funding for schools is directly tied to the number of enrolled students in a district.
The average class size during the 2017-18 school year was 23.7 students, while this school year it is only 21.6 students. With the reduction of 12 positions, the average class will increase to 23.3 students.
The message also addressed the local option levy that passed last November. According to the district, the 90 positions preserved by the local option levy are unaffected by proposed budget reductions.
“Positions funded through a local option levy, similar to positions funded through a federal or state grant, supplement the general budget allocation we receive each year from the state. Unfortunately, the inadequate state school fund which makes up the general budget drives the need for the reductions,” the message said.
Outstanding factors that could possibly impact future changes to the 2024-25 budget include student enrollment and contract negotiations with the WWEA and Oregon School Employees Association.
“Making reductions in order to operate within a budget is challenging on many levels. However, these decisions are necessary to ensure long-term financial stability and academic success for our students,” the message said. “Thank you for your feedback, your patience, and your grace as we continue forward with the 2024-25 budget process.”
Superintendent Kathy Ludwig will present the 2024-25 budget message during the Monday, May 6 school board meeting. A preview of the budget process was presented in a webinar available at https://youtu.be/gC0TJ_P0E1E?feature=shared.
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