The school district's latest board meeting centered on strategies to address a significant budget shortfall. The Board Bulletin highlighted key discussions and plans, with school consolidations emerging as a prominent topic. Facing a budget deficit exceeding $100 million, the district examined potential cost-saving measures, including consolidating schools to better utilize resources.
The district has a surplus of seats with over 95,000 available for students, approximately 25,500 of which are unoccupied. Consolidation could save substantial funds, as noted in a presentation by the Gibson Cost Savings Audit. The audit prioritized consolidations as the primary cost-saving opportunity. Trustees raised questions regarding the audit's underlying assumptions and the scale of potential savings.
"Trustees shared questions about the assumptions made in the audit and the scale of the potential savings as we consider consolidations as one way to reduce our costs."
Efforts are focused on minimizing cuts that could affect students' educational experiences, such as curtailing programs and services. Superintendent Matias Segura indicated a timeline to identify schools for consolidation by fall 2025, with potential actions commencing in the 2026-27 academic year.
"Superintendent Matias Segura said the goal would be to identify campuses affected by Fall 2025, with consolidations happening for the 2026-27 school year."
In addition to school consolidations, the district introduced a hiring freeze and spending restrictions to curtail expenditures. These initiatives are already yielding a notable decrease in spending year-over-year.
"With these strategies now in place, we’re seeing a significant drop in spending year-over-year."
The Gibson Audit, initiated in August 2025, identified up to $63.1 million in potential savings, suggesting other measures such as reducing the use of portable buildings and optimizing scheduling.
"The Gibson Audit, which began in August 2025, reviewed spending practices and outlined up to $63.1 million in potential cost savings opportunities."
Furthermore, the board was updated on the 2022 Bond projects, which cover 25 school modernizations, security enhancements, and athletic projects. Active architectural teams are developing plans, with several campuses set to commence construction this spring.
"The Odom Elementary School community will celebrate the ribbon cutting of its open concept modernization in April, marking the completion of the first major 2022 Bond project."
The district will continue discussions during its next board information session scheduled for April 10.
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