Superintendent and staff told the board they are preparing to present a reductions-in-force (RIF) resolution for certificated and classified staff and described the areas likely to be affected if budget gaps remain. The superintendent said staff are still refining figures but that the RIF number “is going to be certainly smaller” than early projections, and that the district will pursue alternatives to broad layoffs where possible.

The superintendent identified multiple program areas under review: the district’s nursing model, teacher-librarian staffing at elementary and secondary levels, instructional coaching allocations, and a temporary middle-school administrative enhancement created during a transition year. He said the district is exploring models used by other districts — including shared or partner-school nurse models and delegating some duties — to preserve student support while lowering operating costs. Staff will continue to assess credentials and where individual educators might be redeployed to other roles the district needs.

The superintendent set a target to bring a formal RIF resolution to the board on March 27. He emphasized that reductions may also come through non-replacement of limited-term positions and other administrative adjustments rather than exclusively through formal RIFs.

Board members and public commenters raised particular concern about cuts to librarians and nurses. A teacher-librarian who spoke during public comment warned that replacing certified librarians with clerks would remove instruction and research expertise and would undermine information-literacy and reading support. Parents and community members said they want the board to prioritize face-to-face student supports if choices must be made.

Staff also noted budget pressures outside personnel: a recent insurer notice raised projected insurance costs by 14.2 percent for the coming year (the superintendent referenced this figure as approximately $170,000), and inflation has reduced the buying power of state funding. The superintendent said district leaders continue to pursue budget savings across operating costs (for example, copier leases), review fees, and legislative relief while trying to protect classroom programs.

No final cuts were approved at the meeting; staff will return with specific RIF recommendations and additional analysis.