Vancouver schools slash $35M from 2024-25 budget
VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) — Two Southwest Washington school districts face millions of dollars in budget cuts, leaving some worried about the impact this will have on students.
The Vancouver Public School board unanimously voted to slash $35 million from their budget and cut 261 positions in the 2024-25 school year. The Evergreen Public Schools superintendent has similarly signaled dozens of positions may be on the chopping block since they are facing a projected budget shortfall of $16-20 million.
Between both districts, parents and teachers overwhelmingly voiced concerns about how these cuts will ultimately affect students. In Vancouver, leaders say much of it comes down to not having enough support from the State of Washington.
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“It is with a very heavy heart that we have to pass this reduction,” Vancouver School Board President Kyle Sproul said.
Meanwhile, teachers, parents and community members expressed their frustration at the many losses.
“It feels like we’re on a ship that’s sinking and there’s plenty of lifeboats awaiting but we’re staying on the boat,” said Benjamin Bouton, a teacher at Fort Vancouver High School.
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The positions to go include 50 elementary and 63 secondary teachers, along with a number of librarians, counselors, and maintenance staff cut among others, as well as district administrator furloughs.
“These cuts are not what we want, they’re not what our students deserve, but they are the reality we are left with,” said Vancouver School Board Director Wendy Smith.
Meanwhile, district leaders pointed to the Washington state legislature, saying they did not get the support from lawmakers that they needed.
“I’d love for y’all to show up at the state legislature next year in the same force,” said Vancouver Superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell.
Evergreen Public Schools
Across town, the Evergreen School District faces a similar dilemma in just a few weeks and parents say they’re frustrated with a third year in a row of major budget cuts.
“The place we’re at right now took many years of poor decisions and poor planning,” said Angie Bunda, an Evergreen parent.
Two weeks ago, Evergreen first detailed how they plan to cut 140 positions to save around $20 million in the budget, including downscaling security in secondary schools and eliminating elementary school librarians.
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“I’m not going to invest all my time and energy into this school district that is not investing in our students,” said Meghan Taylor, another Evergreen parent. “It’s wrong and it’s disheartening that they’re wondering why their enrollment numbers are down.”
While no official decisions were made during Evergreen’s meeting, Superintendent John Boyd announced he plans to take a $25,000 pay cut during the next school year.
Evergreen Public Schools in February said they are facing around $16-20 million in budget cuts for the next school year — the third year in a row of major cuts.
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This comes after a reported steady decline in students over the past eight years — around 18%.
According to EPS, these cuts include:
District office – 30 positions
Districtwide staff – 19 positions
Elementary schools – 22 positions
Middle and high schools – 60 positions
Specialty schools – 9 positions
In all, they would face the loss of 140 positions, with savings of around $19,571,000.
The vote for Evergreen’s budget cuts is scheduled in two weeks on March 26th. KOIN 6 News will continue to follow up.
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