Olympia School District board backs Reduction in Program resolution amid budget woes

The Olympia School District Board of Directors approved a resolution that paves the way for a reduced education program and staffing plan for the 2026-27 academic year.

Resolution 684 (Reduction in Program) authorizes Superintendent Patrick Murphy to take a number of steps to address the district's budget woes.

Those steps are as follows:

• As necessary, the (superintendent) is directed to develop a reduced educational program and reduced staffing plan for 2026-27.

• The (superintendent) is directed to take such action as may be required by law to notify certificated, classified, and administrative employees who will be affected by reductions in positions.

• The (superintendent) is authorized to make such other plans to implement the reduced educational program and reduced staffing plan as necessary to comply with the legal obligations of the (district).

The decision by the board at a March 12 meeting comes on the heels of  a budget projection that shows district expenditures are likely to exceed revenues by approximately $2.1 million in the 2026-27 academic year.

“Olympia School District anticipates that, due to projected enrollment declines and financial health indicators, it will not have the financial resources to maintain its programs and services at present levels for 2026-2027,” the resolution states. 

The resolution also directs the superintendent to prepare a proposed 2026-27 operating budget that reduces expenditures and to notify employees who will be affected by reductions. 

Superintendent Patrick Murphy said the resolution does not pinpoint program or staffing reductions, yet, as specifics will come later, most likely at a board meeting on March 26. 

“Tonight, it would give me the ability and direct me to prepare this plan and take the necessary …preliminary steps to implement a reduced educational program and staffing levels, if those are ultimately necessary,” said Murphy at the March 12 meeting. 

Director Maria Flores said the resolution honors union partnerships and makes sure everyone has sufficient notice to make decisions for themselves. 

“I just want everyone in the audience and everyone listening to understand that part of this resolution is also so that we can honor our relationships with our unions, which are strong, so that folks know ahead of time that this could be coming,” Flores said. 

Murphy said upcoming related events include a budget survey going out to the community, an initial reduction plan proposal at a board meeting on March 26, a work session on April 2, as well as community forums around April 13-17.  

Murphy plans to present an education reduction plan at a board meeting on April 23.