Items addressed at Richland Board of Education Meeting include pupil count decline and staffing levels to be adjusted accordingly

The Richland School Board began discussions of staffing for the 2026-27 school year at last night’s (Wednesday) meeting. Richland School District Business Official Jon Bosworth, presented pupil count and resident count projections for future years at the school board meeting on January 28.  Resident count is a primary driver of a district’s revenue limit, while pupil counts are used to determine appropriate staffing levels and programming needs within buildings.

 An operating referendum was approved by the community in 2024, but the District was clear that passage of the referendum would allow the District to maintain existing programming, but that staffing within those programs would continue to be adjusted to align with student enrollment.  In keeping with that commitment and in an effort to remain fiscally responsible, the District has reduced staffing in recent years, including the elimination of two administrative/director positions since 2023.

 As pupil counts for in-building students continue to decline, staffing levels must be adjusted accordingly.  Based on current projections, the administration anticipates recommending a net reduction of three full-time equivalents in certified staff or other leadership positions for the 2026–27 school year.  Efforts will be made to achieve this reduction through attrition or transfer, whenever possible, to ensure that no certified staff member is left without employment within the District.  District Administrator, Steve Board, said that the Administration has a plan in place to implement this recommendation in a manner that minimizes disruption and prioritizes continuity for students, but is not prepared to discuss specific position-level details at this time.

It should also be noted that the State does not allow funding for all-day, every-day four-year-old kindergarten.  Students in this age group choosing alternative schooling options has had an adverse impact on overall enrollment.  Because the recommendation is a net reduction of 3.0 FTE, and because no increase in funding would be realized by moving to an all-day, every-day 4K model, any additional staffing needs in this area, such as adding a 4K teacher and/or aide, would necessitate further reductions elsewhere.

This proposed staffing adjustment does not include alternative education programming.  Enrollment in these areas continues to grow, and tentative plans include a net addition of 1.0 FTE to support students at HIVE and the District’s off-campus alternative education program.  This decision is based on enrollment trends and student needs.

Finally, staffing needs in special education may change independently of general enrollment trends.  Because students with disabilities have Individualized Education Programs, federal law requires the District to provide services as outlined in those plans.  As students move into or out of the District, staffing adjustments may be necessary.  Should this occur, the Board will be informed, and action will be taken as required.

The Administration anticipates bringing forward recommendations pertaining to 2026–27 staffing for Board action at the February 25 Board of Education meeting, including: approval of a net reduction of 3.0 FTE in certified staff or leadership positions within in-building educational programs; approval to move to an all-day, every-day four-year-old kindergarten model; and approval of a 1.0 FTE increase in alternative education staffing.

In action items the board accepted the resignation of first grade teacher Bailey Rule at the end of the current school year.

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