District reports protected support units keep $300K this year but projects $587K shortfall next year

Director Crow reported a July foundation payment that used the state's protection calculation: the district’s protected support units were 145.13 while actual support units were 143.12, which preserved roughly $300,000 relative to using actual counts.

Crow said district enrollment has declined by 48 students since the start of the reporting year, and staff project next year’s support units at 138.75 — a drop that would reduce state revenue by approximately $550,000. Crow said the district's financial model currently shows a $587,000 shortfall, excluding the full implementation of any negotiated last best offer. Trustees and staff discussed the implications for staffing and operations and reiterated the need to find multi‑year solutions to reconcile student achievement goals with shrinking revenue.

Administrators said protection functions like insurance and that the district will continue to prioritize forecasting and levy planning as part of the broader strategy to address the shortfall.