Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated February 21, 2026

• Why is the district planning for budget reductions?

  McMinnville School District is seeing a decline in student enrollment. Larger classes are graduating while smaller kindergarten classes are entering our schools. Because state funding is based largely on the number of students we serve, fewer students means less revenue. At the same time, costs to operate schools continue to rise. To remain financially stable and continue serving students well, the district must adjust spending to better match current and future enrollment.

• How much needs to be cut?

  Approximately $8–$9 million for the 2026–27 school year, addressed through a combination of reserves and targeted reductions. We expect to tap into approximately $4 million of strategic reserves, which leaves about $4–$5 million in cuts.

• What stage of the process are we in now?

  The district is in the analysis and planning phase. This means staff are reviewing data, exploring options, and considering impacts, but no final decisions have been made. Some decisions may come sooner due to timelines, while others will take more time to evaluate responsibly.

• What information is being considered?

  The district is reviewing several factors at the same time, including:

  • Enrollment trends and projections

  • Staffing levels and student needs

  • State funding updates

  • Long term financial sustainability

  All of this information helps inform decisions that balance educational quality with financial responsibility.

• What guides decision making?

  Budget decisions are guided by district frameworks that prioritize:

  • Student learning and safety

  • Essential student services

  • Long term stability of the district

  The goal is to protect student facing services for as long as possible while planning responsibly for the future.

• What does "right-sizing" mean?

  Right sizing means aligning staffing and resources with the number of students we serve and the programs students need. It is not about reducing quality or lowering expectations, and it is not an across the board cut. The focus is on making thoughtful adjustments that support long term stability rather than short term fixes.

  Right-Sizing

• Will there be staff layoffs?

  At this time, no final decisions have been made regarding staffing changes. The district is reviewing multiple factors, including enrollment projections and staff intent to return, before determining next steps. Any staffing decisions would follow contractual requirements and established processes.

• Will there be furlough days or reduced school days?

  Furlough days are not a preferred approach. Research and statewide reporting indicate that reducing instructional days can negatively impact students while offering limited long term financial benefit. The district is prioritizing other strategies and will communicate clearly if this changes.

• What's happening with the middle and high school block schedules?

  The block schedule is currently under review. The district is first focusing on right sizing efforts to try to maintain it. A decision is expected by the first week of March, informed by data, feasibility, and impact on students and staff.

• How does state funding affect these decisions?

  State funding remains uncertain. Economic forecasts and legislative actions during the current session could significantly affect available funding. Some decisions cannot be finalized until this information is confirmed.

• How will families and the community be kept informed?

  The district is committed to clear and ongoing communication. Updates will be shared as soon as information is reliable and confirmed. Silence does not mean nothing is happening, it often means analysis is still underway. A community meeting to discuss the budget development process will be scheduled soon.

• How can families and community members support the district?

  Families and community members can stay informed through district updates, ask questions through appropriate channels, and support students and staff during this period of planning and uncertainty.