Stillwater schools facing $5.5 million budget shortfall
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR) — A $5.5 million budget short has put Stillwater Public Schools (SPS) in a tough position, but officials say they are doing everything they can to ensure all students are getting the education they deserve.
Communications Coordinator, Barry Fuxa, said there are several factors forcing them to make difficult decisions.
"It's a painful process and nobody wanted this," said Fuxa.
"We've got the loss of the ESSER funds following COVID. We've also got reduced enrollment. Our our state aid is based on that enrollment. Along with that, then federal grant money is related to how many students you actually have," said Fuxa. "So faced with that, along with, a little bit of over staffing and ad valorem income not being where we needed it to be."
The cuts could mean a 29% decrease in student support services, which includes special education, but contrary to some reports, Fuxa said that does not mean those teachers will be eliminated.
"There is misconception, miscommunication perhaps, the district has absolutely no plans to let any special education teachers go," said Fuxa.
Fuxa said cuts are already underway.
One being an administrator, two teachers and four custodians.
But, there was a last minute reprieve for some extracurricular programs after people donated to the district.
Acting superintendent of SPS sent News 4 the following statement in response to the donation.
This is a perfect example of how great communities work together to provide extra services and opportunities, not required by law but definitely beneficial for students in public schools. This is yet another reason why the Stillwater community is so great - our parents, business leaders and nonprofits work together to find ways to serve our students even when our funding streams of ad valorem and state funding can't. The district hopes to find additional funding to support the continuation of this service throughout the 25-26 school year as well. We want to thank our current donors for their generosity, and encourage any other potential donors to contact the Stillwater Public Education Foundation for other ways to help.
Janet Vinson, Acting Superintendent
"Unfortunately, when you've got a budget cut, sometimes cuts have to happen," said Fuxa.
Fuxa said this is not an easy process and they ultimately want to make sure students are taken care of.
"We're facing a budget crisis. We'll get through that. People in our community will step up to make sure that our students get what they need," said Fuxa.
Stillwater Public School officials said that new procedures are being put in place to hopefully prevent anymore.