Board declares a financial emergency and plans to cut about $2.5 million in teacher pay and benefits

What happened

On February 23 the board declared a "fiscal exigency" (a financial emergency) and program changes for 2026-27. The resolution calls for cutting about $2,500,000 in teacher salaries and benefits and cancelling one or more teacher contracts. In March and April the board cancelled two teacher contracts, and the superintendent created a single Director of Operations job to replace facilities and safety director jobs.

Why it matters to families

Staff cuts change class sizes and programs. The resolution gives declining state funding, falling enrollment and higher costs as the reasons.

The evidence

The resolution is signed by all five directors and says falling revenue under the School Finance Act, declining enrollment and rising costs make a staff reduction necessary. The March 23 minutes record the board giving notice to two teachers, and the April 27 resolution cancels their contracts after neither asked for a hearing. The April 27 minutes say the new Director of Operations position cuts the facilities director and safety director jobs to save money. Parents and staff spoke against the cuts on March 23.

The source