Urbandale board approves budget forecast, authorizes staff to pursue $1.5M in reductions as enrollment falls

The Urbandale Community School District Board of Education on Jan. 26 approved a district budget forecast and a package of recommendations that could require roughly $1.5 million in expense reductions as officials respond to an enrollment decline and uncertain state supplemental aid.

Superintendent Dr. Dacca said the forecasting process was a “collective conversation and a collective decision,” and that administration verified the reduction targets and worked with departmental leaders to identify areas for efficiency. Under the district’s baseline assumption — a 2% state supplemental aid (SSA) increase and a 3% across‑the‑board raise — administration estimated the district would still need to reduce about $1,500,000 in expenses. A 1% SSA would increase that shortfall to about $1,750,000, and a 0% SSA would push reductions toward roughly $2,200,000, the presentation showed.

Why it matters: Urbandale’s certified October enrollment count is down by about 117.7 students from the prior count, which reduces per‑pupil revenue and the district’s Unspent Authorized Budget (UAB) ratio. Administration warned that continued shortfalls could require the district to seek action from the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) if UAB projections drop below state thresholds.

What the board approved and next steps: The board voted, by roll call, to approve the budget forecast and recommendations and authorized staff to begin targeted, individual conversations with employees who could be affected. Administration said those one‑on‑one conversations would begin immediately if approved and be substantially complete by mid‑next week, with formal deadlines tied to an April 30 SBRC date.

Process and priorities: Administrators said they will aim to minimize staff layoffs by using natural attrition where possible, consider reassignments to open positions, and use objective criteria such as district seniority and certification at the secondary level. The presentation outlined potential categories for reductions including nonclassroom positions, building budgets (library, technology, band/vocal supplements), and a small number of administrative adjustments. Administration emphasized special education unpredictability and the legal obligation to serve students with individualized needs.

Union and public reaction: Kathy Hayani, speaking for the Urbandale Education Association, urged caution and asked the board to defer action or consider alternatives such as early‑retirement incentives and reexamining contracts. She warned that cutting substitutes or classified staff would reduce planning time and jeopardize individualized supports for students with IEPs and English learners.

State aid and ESAs: Board members and staff repeatedly urged constituents to contact state legislators about SSA timing. Administration estimated these district revenue impacts have been compounded by Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and one board member said the district has previously identified roughly $1.8 million in funds that shifted through ESAs in recent years. The board also passed a separate resolution urging the governor and legislature to fully fund public schools and to phase out ESAs over five years.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the district budget forecast and recommendations (roll call recorded; motion passed 6–0), and subsequently approved the related recommendations that allow staff to begin the communication process with affected employees.

What staff and families can expect: Administration said the targeted conversations will be held with affected employees and their supervisors starting immediately, with continued cabinet oversight and weekly updates; further adjustments could follow depending on SSA decisions from the legislature.

The board’s approval does not itself enact layoffs; it authorizes staff to proceed with planning and communications preparatory to final decisions tied to enrollment, negotiated raises and the state supplemental aid rate.