Board warned cuts leave staffing at a minimum to sustain special-education programming

Lakeland School administrators told the CDEB that the 2027 budget reflects several personnel reductions already in place and additional proposed adjustments intended to limit levy impact.

The presenter said the school is operating with three fewer special education teachers and noted the assistant principal position is not funded in the proposed budget; the school psychologist position would be reduced to roughly half time. Administrators said these changes increase reliance on the principal and the standby team and could reduce capacity for supervision, evaluation and crisis response.

Board members repeatedly pressed for details about what the reductions would mean for daily operations. The presenter answered that the proposed structure represents "the bare essentials" and that a return to fuller staffing would likely be necessary if personnel changes (such as a contracted psychologist leaving) necessitate restoring positions.

The board discussed whether summer school should be eliminated and how substitute budgets will change. The presenter confirmed summer-school payroll was removed (saving roughly $63,000 in the payroll line) and said substitute-day allocations were increased to reflect recent needs. The SRO (school resource officer) was moved off the operating levy for 2027 and proposed to be funded via fund balance for one year, which administrators said is not a permanent reduction if state aid does not improve.

Board members asked whether staff can maintain student safety and services at these levels; administrators said they can operate but it is not ideal and will increase strain on remaining staff.