Washington Elementary board approves elimination of several administrative positions to reduce costs

The Washington Elementary School District governing board voted March 12 to eliminate a set of administrative and program‑support positions that district staff say will reduce expenditures by roughly $707,000.

Mister Morris, presenting the action item, listed roles proposed for elimination or reorganization, including the New Beginnings Academy coordinator, district lead librarian/media specialist, IEP compliance specialist, a special services bridge coach, a reduction of one FTE EdTech coach, administrator of equitable services and an MTSS program manager. He told the board the savings came from multiple funding sources, including maintenance and operations and Title funds.

The board discussed whether current employees hold those positions and what would happen to them. Mister Morris said "all of the individuals have been spoken to" and that staff would have the opportunity to apply for open positions in the district. Board members voiced concern about moving employees from leadership roles into different positions; Lindsay Peterson said it "feels pretty awful" if leaders are told to reapply for other jobs without strategic placement.

President Kyle Clayton called for a motion; the board approved the elimination of the positions by voice vote.

The board and staff framed the eliminations as a response to declining enrollment and constrained revenue. Doctor Hightower had earlier reported an enrollment decline that, she said, has significant budgetary impact.

Next steps: district staff said job descriptions for repurposed roles would be brought to the March 26 board agenda and individuals would be allowed to apply for open postings.