Budget Updates

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Like many school districts across our region and state, Camas School District is confronting significant budget reductions. This is a challenging time for our community, as we understand the profound impact these decisions will have on student experiences, staff responsibilities, and the well-being of our colleagues.

To balance the 2025-2026 budget, we must reduce overall expenditures by 10-12%, equating to approximately $13.3–15.6 million. These reductions require difficult decisions, and we value your input as we work to prioritize and align resources to meet this financial reality.

Our programming reflects years of collective effort and dedication to serving students. Every position, program, and initiative is the result of thoughtful investment and collaboration among students, staff, families, and our community. It is deeply frustrating to face reductions of this magnitude, but we are committed to navigating this process with care and transparency.

We recognize that every staff member plays a vital role in our district’s success. While these reductions will impact everyone differently, we are committed to supporting one another through this process with compassion and understanding.

Above all, we will strive to minimize the impact on student learning. Our decisions will be guided by a commitment to keep students’ needs at the center, and we will communicate with those directly affected as promptly as possible. Thank you for sharing your voice and perspective as we work together through these difficult times.

Budget Reduction Guiding Principles

In the Media

To the best of our ability and within our budget constraints, we aim to:

  • Minimize student impact
  • Align with Strategic Plan Goals
  • Collaborate in decision-making
  • Engage Stakeholders
  • Honor departmental and principal contributions
  • Prioritize efficiency and sustainability
  • Protect diversity and equity
  • Optimize operational savings
  • Plan for stability and ongoing assessment: Avoid temporary fixes; pursue reductions that support financial stability over multiple years, with ongoing assessments to monitor their impact on students, staff, and district operations.
2024 Community Budget Survey Priorities
Priority 1Priority 2Priority 3Priority 4Priority 5

Educational Excellence and Quality Instruction

  • Small Class Sizes: Smaller classes allow teachers to give individual attention, improve learning outcomes, and prevent burnout among staff. Maintaining manageable class sizes ensures students receive the personalized instruction needed for success.
  • Teacher Retention and Quality: High-quality teachers are critical to the district’s reputation and students’ learning experiences. Investing in competitive compensation and support for teachers attracts and retains the best educators.
  • Core Curriculum Focus: Prioritizing instruction in core subjects (math, reading, science) maintains academic rigor and prepares students for college and career success.
  • Enrichment Programs: Programs like music, art, and advanced learning opportunities are essential for well-rounded student development, supporting skills that are proven to boost academic performance and creativity.
  • Learning Materials: Ensuring that classrooms are well-equipped with necessary supplies (e.g., technology, textbooks, whiteboards) supports teachers’ ability to deliver high-quality instruction without unnecessary disruptions.

Student Safety and Well-being

  • Safe Learning Environment: A safe, welcoming environment is foundational to learning. Investing in anti-bullying programs, mental health support, and safety resources (like School Resource Officers) helps students feel secure.
  • Mental Health Support: Access to counselors and mental health resources is critical, especially in today’s climate. Prioritizing these resources equips students with tools for emotional resilience.
  • School Security and Infrastructure: Maintaining security measures and facility upgrades where necessary ensures that both students and staff feel physically safe in their learning environments.
  • Responsive Supervision and Support Staff: Having adequate supervision and support staff in schools (e.g., paraeducators, health assistants) fosters a safe and structured environment, which is essential for effective learning.
  • Student Belonging: Creating inclusive school cultures where all students feel accepted is vital. Programs that emphasize inclusivity and diversity help foster positive school experiences.

Strategic Resource Allocation and Efficiency

  • Evaluation of Administrative Costs: Reviewing administrative and district-level roles can help focus resources on school-based staff and programs that directly benefit students.
  • Facility and Program Utilization: Assessing under-enrolled schools or redundant programs could help the district optimize space and reduce overhead costs while retaining essential services for students.
  • Energy and Operational Savings: Implementing energy-efficient systems and adjusting schedules (where feasible) can contribute to long-term savings, minimizing the impact on classroom resources.
  • Reducing Non-Essential Spending: Prioritizing funds for student-facing needs over other expenses (e.g., district-level travel, non-essential purchases) ensures that budget cuts least affect students and teachers.
  • Pay-to-Play or Volunteer-Based Extracurriculars: Exploring options such as pay-to-play for sports or volunteer coaches can allow continued access to athletics and clubs with a reduced financial burden on the district.

Support for Diverse Learning Needs

  • Special Education and IEP Resources: Maintaining adequate support for students with special needs is essential. The district’s responsibility to meet IEP requirements supports equitable access to education.
  • Equity in Learning Opportunities: Programs that support diverse student populations, including ELL and advanced learners, are vital for a well-rounded education that meets the needs of all students.
  • Flexible Learning Models: Offering alternative learning environments, such as project-based and online options, provides flexibility for students with unique learning preferences or schedules.
  • Integrated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): SEL programs help students with social-emotional skills and especially benefit those with individualized education needs.
  • Pathways for Diverse Interests: Maintaining a range of programs (e.g., AP courses, vocational training) ensures students can pursue interests that align with their strengths and future goals.

Community Trust and Transparent Communication

  • Open Communication on Budget Realities: Clearly communicating the reasons for budget reductions, including declining enrollment and state funding challenges, fosters transparency and trust within the community.
  • Consistency with Previous Commitments: Prioritizing programs promised to taxpayers (e.g., school nurses, mental health support funded by levies) honors past commitments and upholds community trust.
  • Inclusive Decision-Making: Engaging families, staff, and community members in budget discussions and providing opportunities for feedback encourages a collaborative approach to challenging decisions.
  • Focus on Educational Values: Reaffirming the district’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and safety aligns with community values and strengthens support for necessary changes.
  • Community-Focused Adjustments: Considering community input on adjustments (e.g., extracurricular programs) demonstrates responsiveness to what residents value most in the district’s offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Reductions
Why are budget reductions necessary, and how are they prioritized?

Answer: We are facing a structural budget deficit due to decreased enrollment, inadequate and reduced state funding, and rising staffing and operational costs. This deficit requires us to make decisions to balance the budget while maintaining our commitment to providing high-quality education. We must reduce our budget while prioritizing areas that impact student learning. We are carefully reviewing all programs and expenditures, emphasizing minimizing the effects on students and staff wherever possible.

In what way is our state funding inadequate?

Answer: State leaders use a funding distribution formula that is based on the needs of an “average school.” This one-size-fits-some solution for allocating money to schools isn’t working because it doesn’t recognize individual school districts’ unique needs and costs with varying circumstances. For example, the state allocates districts $87,716 for teacher pay. In Camas, the average teacher pay is $121,000. Our local levy fills that gap.

Why are so many districts in Washington experiencing financial hardship?

Answer: The funding formula used to provide state money to schools in Washington is inadequate and does not reflect the actual needs and costs associated with running a school district. State leaders use a funding distribution “formula” based on the needs of an “average school.” This one-size-fits-some solution for allocating state money to schools isn’t working because it doesn’t recognize the unique needs and costs of individual school districts with varying circumstances in all corners of the state.

There are two primary factors (along with many more) that have created budget challenges for Washington’s public schools. They include:

  1. Special Education funding from the state is insufficient. Special Education is an important and necessary support and a state and federal requirement. However, the state limits the percentage of students in a district covered by state and federal special education funding. This cap means that some districts with a high percentage of students who qualify for special education must use local levy funds. Although the Legislature raised the funding cap to 16% this year, that increase amounts to an investment of only $19.6 million for 2024-25. In the 2022-23 school year alone, unfunded special education expenses amounted to $529.8 million. SOURCES: WASA Source | Fiscal Source | Washington State Standard
  2. Higher operating costs mean actual expenses exceed state funding. The price of the things that schools need to support students has skyrocketed, but the money schools get from the state isn’t even close to catching up.
  • Food Service: The prices of food have increased dramatically in recent years. For example, milk has gone up more than 33% in the Western United States since 2018. This adds up to a big impact on school budgets across the state of Washington. SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Transportation: The price of fuel has gone up 39% in the Western United States since 2018. State funding doesn’t come close to covering these costs, even before record inflation. In the 2022-23 school year alone, $80.7 million in state-wide school transportation expenses were left unfunded by the state. SOURCES:  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; OSPI.
  • Utilities: Since 2018, the average cost of electricity in the Western United States increased by 37%. The price of natural gas for heating increased by 62%. SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Insurance: Local school districts must carry insurance like a homeowner or a business. Since 2020, the cost of insurance for Washington’s school districts has increased by nearly 60% (through 23-24). Costs continue to increase. The state only pays for a portion of the total cost, leaving the school district to foot the bill for more than $73.7 million in 2023-24 alone. SOURCE: Insurance company invoices from all school districts across the state.
Is K-12 education less of a state priority than it has been in the past?

Answer: Yes, as Washington State’s operating budget has increased, the percentage dedicated to funding K-12 education has not kept up. Five years ago (immediately following changes to the way the state funds schools), about 52.4% of the state’s general fund budget was dedicated to K-12 education. Now, it’s down to about 43.1%, even though it is the state’s constitutional responsibility to provide adequate funding to support basic education services. Further, Washington ranks well below the national average for investment in K-12 education as a percentage of Gross State Product (the state’s output) at 3.11%. SOURCE: OSPI

In 2019 52.4% of the state budget was allocated to K-12 Education while in 2024, the state budget allocation dropped to 43.1%

What if all staff members took a pay cut or pay freeze?

Answer: Potentially, a pay cut could address a significant portion of the issue. However, it would take agreement from each of our bargaining groups as well as unrepresented staff. Currently, salaries represent nearly $100M for the year. If everyone agreed to a 2% reduction in pay, it would save our district $2M; a 4% reduction would save $4M, and so on.

A pay freeze is not as impactful because individuals who are set to move on their respective salary schedules based on years of service or education advancement would still move.

Will class sizes increase due to budget cuts?

Answer: We understand the importance of small class sizes in enhancing student engagement and learning. Although some class size increases may be unavoidable, we prioritize strategies to keep classes manageable and support teachers with the resources they need to provide quality instruction. Class sizes are limited, as delineated by our collective bargaining agreement with our teachers’ union.

Are extracurricular and co-curricular programs, like sports, music, and arts, at risk of being cut?

Answer: Extracurricular programs are highly valued for their role in student development. While budget constraints require us to examine all areas, we are working to preserve as many of these programs as possible, especially those with high student participation and community impact.

How will the district support teachers and staff amidst budget cuts?

Answer: Supporting our teachers and support staff remains a priority, as they are vital to student success. The district is committed to retaining highly qualified educators and ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to meet classroom needs and promote student well-being. It is critical that we all continue to work together to support every area impacted by these reductions, as collaboration will help us navigate these challenges and maintain a strong foundation for our students and staff.

What steps are being taken to ensure equity and inclusion continue in our schools?

Answer: The district remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. We carefully evaluate budget changes to ensure that all students have equitable access to quality education, support services, and resources regardless of background or ability.

How is the district addressing concerns about student safety and security?

Answer: Safety is a top priority, and we are committed to maintaining essential safety measures. Our review process includes carefully assessing programs and services that ensure a secure environment for students and staff, even as we face budget constraints.

Why can’t more cuts be made at the administrative level rather than in classrooms?

Answer: We have already made reductions at our central office and are carefully examining additional administrative costs and looking for ways to streamline operations without affecting direct student support. Many positions at the administrative level provide necessary services to support classrooms, and we are working to find a balance that minimizes the impact on students.

What is being done to support students who need extra help or special education services?

Answer: Services for students who need additional support, including special education, remain a priority. We are working to ensure these programs have the necessary resources to meet students’ unique needs while addressing overall budget challenges.

Will there be reductions in mental health support for students?

Answer:  Recognizing the importance of mental health for student success, we are committed to maintaining mental health services and social-emotional learning as much as possible. This includes exploring partnerships and alternative funding to support these critical programs.

How are decisions being made about which programs or services to cut?

Answer: The district uses a data-driven approach to review all programs and services. Decisions are based on student impact, cost efficiency, and alignment with our mission and values. Community feedback, like the comments provided in our budget survey, is also an essential part of this process.

In what way is our state funding inadequate?

Answer: State leaders use a funding distribution formula that is based on the needs of an “average school.” This one-size-fits-some solution for allocating money to schools isn’t working because it doesn’t recognize individual school districts’ unique needs and costs with varying circumstances. For example, the state allocates districts $87,716 for teacher pay. In Camas, the average teacher pay is $121,000. Our local levy fills that gap.

Are there plans to maintain or expand career and technical education (CTE) opportunities?

Answer: CTE programs are critical in preparing students for various career paths. We are committed to supporting these opportunities and exploring partnerships with local industries to enhance hands-on learning and career readiness within budget constraints.

How will arts and enrichment programs in elementary and middle schools be affected?

Answer: Arts and enrichment programs are recognized for contributing to a well-rounded education. We aim to retain these programs wherever possible, focusing on those that impact the most significant number of students and provide essential developmental benefits.

What role does community feedback play in budget decisions?

Answer: Community feedback is invaluable in guiding budget priorities. Survey comments, listening posts with staff, and public outreach with the board have allowed us to receive input from parents, staff, and students. This outreach helps inform our budget reduction and resource allocation approach.

How will reductions affect programs for gifted students?

Answer: We are committed to supporting all learners, including those in gifted and advanced programs. While all programs are under review, we recognize the value of advanced learning opportunities and are working to preserve pathways that challenge and support high-achieving students.

Will teacher salaries or benefits be affected by budget cuts?

Answer: We are working to maintain competitive compensation to retain and attract quality educators. While some adjustments may be necessary, the district values our teachers and is focused on balancing budget needs with staff support.

What is being done to support students’ social-emotional learning (SEL)?

Answer: SEL programs are essential for building resilience and fostering positive learning environments. We are exploring creative ways to continue supporting SEL, even with budget reductions, recognizing its impact on students’ overall success.

Will any schools face consolidation or closure due to budget reductions?

Answer: At this time, no decisions have been made regarding school consolidation or closure. However, as part of our budget review process, we are evaluating the efficiency of all facilities to ensure that resources are maximized effectively.

How can families get involved in supporting the district during these budget challenges?

Answer: Families can support the district by staying informed, attending board meetings, and communicating with our legislators before and during the 2025 Legislative Session. Engagement is crucial as we work together to address financial challenges while continuing to prioritize student success.

Why can’t administrative salaries and positions be cut instead of classroom resources?

Answer: We understand concerns about administrative costs and have already taken steps to reduce costs at the central office at the beginning of this school year. It is important to understand administrative positions play a crucial role in supporting teachers, managing operations, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. However, we are reviewing all areas of the budget and expect to incur more cuts at the administrative level to minimize the impact on classrooms.

Why do small schools and programs that serve fewer students continue to operate, and why not consolidate them to save costs?

Answer: Small schools and specialized programs provide alternative pathways for students who thrive in unique learning environments, serving a vital role in addressing the diverse needs of our community. While they serve fewer students, their impact is significant in creating equitable opportunities for student success. Consolidation is one of many options considered during budget evaluations, but such decisions involve logistical, legal, and community considerations. We aim to balance operational efficiency with ensuring access to high-quality education and diverse learning pathways for all students.

Why is the district still spending on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives during budget cuts?

Answer: EDI initiatives are integral to ensuring all students feel safe, respected, and valued in their educational journey. While we are committed to fiscal responsibility, cutting these programs would undermine our mission to create an inclusive learning environment for every student.

Why do salaries continue to increase if the district is in a budget crisis?

Answer: Salaries are largely governed by negotiated agreements between the district and the unions. These agreements aim to offer competitive compensation to attract and retain high-quality educators and support staff, ensuring the best possible outcomes for students.