Superintendent says district may absorb retirements as K–5 enrollment is projected to fall

The superintendent opened a fiscal update by saying the district is "living within our fiscal means" and outlined a staffing approach that would favor absorbing positions when employees retire instead of layoffs to preserve morale and taxpayer funds.

"The sign of the school that's in trouble is when they reduce and make a reduction ... to rip teachers, let them go," he said, adding that absorbing retirements is "a way to save money for the school district and taxpayers, but also maintain good morale." He told the board that K–5 enrollment is 728 for 2025–26 and is projected to be 651 by 2028–29, and that the district currently staffs six teachers per grade level. "That drop warrants us taking a real look at maybe someday by 29–30 looking at five teachers per district," he said, framing the change as gradual and tied to retirements.

The superintendent also reviewed ongoing facilities work, reporting that excavation for a wrestling room and a new weight room is under way and that an arts addition is ahead of schedule. He invited board members to a site visit on April 7 at 1:00 p.m.

On athletic turf, the superintendent said the district plans to install synthetic turf and that one vendor quoted a price he cited as $422,103, which he described as lower than other bids by roughly $100,000–$200,000. At the meeting the business item to approve a contract with AstroTurf Corporation passed by roll call; the contract item as read into the minutes listed the price as $22,103. The transcript shows both figures; the meeting did not resolve that numerical discrepancy during discussion.

The superintendent emphasized the district is not pursuing cuts because it is "broke," but as a precaution to manage enrollment and preserve financial stability. He said the district will proceed slowly, using retirements to adjust staffing levels rather than immediate layoffs.