The Anacortes School District is facing continuing financial hurdles in the coming years, according to School Superintendent Justin Irish.
In a letter recently sent to parents, Dr. Irish shared anticipated cuts in the district budget for the coming years, including cuts of as much as $2 million next year and another $600,000 for the following three years.
Irish said cuts must be taken, "to ensure the long-term health of our schools." He said, "These decisions are not made lightly, and we are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process."
The Anacortes district faces some of the same financial issues that many Washington district do, including decliining enrollment, increased labor costs, rising costs in general and insufficient state revenue.
Already, the school district has managed these reductions:
Total Reductions in district spending in recent years...
- 2022-2023: $900,000
- 2023-2024: $3,200,000
- 2024-2025: $1,300,000
Dr Irish said, the district's fund balance is projected to drop by 1.36% by the end of the current school year, well below the required minimum of four percent.
Dr Irish projected these budget reductions for the next few years.
- 2025–2026 School Year: A reduction of $1.5 to $2 million, driven by enrollment declines and potential employee contract obligations.
- 2026–2027 School Year: A reduction of at least $600,000 due to projected enrollment declines and potential employee contract obligations.
- 2027–2028 School Year: A reduction of at least $600,000 due to projected enrollment declines and potential employee contract obligations.
- 2028–2029 School Year: A reduction of at least $600,000 due to projected enrollment declines and potential employee contract obligations.
"To address these challenges, we are committed to a thoughtful and collaborative process. While staffing reductions may be necessary, these discussions will take place internally, in accordance with our labor group process, and with the utmost respect for the confidentiality of personnel matters. We will continue to keep staff, families, and community members informed as we work through these difficult decisions," Irish said in the letter to parents.