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Monday, September 14, 2020 |
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5:30 p.m. Special Board Meeting |
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Address: |
See the HSD Website http://www.hocksd.org (top of the page) for a Zoom link to join the meeting. |
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Public comment will be received, during the meeting, through Zoom.Policy 1400 Meeting Conduct, Order of Business, and Quoru |
Drop in student enrollment creates $2.1 million budget shortfall.
The Hockinson School District Board of Directors has approved a resolution authorizing a staff reduction that impacts approximately 30 Hockinson School District (HSD) full- and part-time classified staff members, either directly through a reduction in force or indirectly through a change in assignment. The changes were made in response to a $2.1 million budget shortfall, which is the result of a significant drop in student enrollment this school year.
“This news is heartbreaking for our entire community,” said HSD Superintendent Steve Marshall. “In a small district like Hockinson, our employees are more than colleagues. They are friends and neighbors. To our students they are trusted adults, mentors, and supporters. I wish that none of these staffing reductions were necessary to overcome the enormous financial challenges our district is facing because of this pandemic.”
The vast majority of the HSD budget (85%) is dedicated to paying for staff salaries and benefits. The state largely funds school districts based on student enrollment, and HSD enrollment at the beginning of this school year was at least 220 students fewer than projected. This has created an overall budget shortfall of approximately $2.1 million for the 2020-21 school year.
As HSD gains a better understanding of ongoing budget impacts related to the pandemic, additional layoffs are possible. However, it is the district’s goal that laid off and reassigned employees will be able to return when it becomes possible to safely transition to an in-person learning model and more students return to school.
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Time: 6:00 p.m. Special Board Meeting
Address: See the HSD Website http://www.hocksd.org (top of the page) for a Zoom link to join the meeting. Public comment will be received, during the meeting, through Zoom.
Date: Monday, August 31, 2020
Time: 6:00 p.m. - Closed Session
6:45 p.m. - Regular Board Meeting
Address: See the HSD Website www.hocksd.org for a Zoom link to Join
Submit public comment(s) by email: publiccomment@hocksd.org