May 12, 2026 School Board Budget Committee Meeting

The Bend La Pine School Board Budget Committee convened on May 12, 2026, to discuss and approve the district's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting included public comments addressing concerns about enrollment-based staffing models and their impact on program stability at High Lakes Elementary. Superintendent Dr. Steve Cook and the financial team presented a detailed budget message highlighting significant fiscal challenges, including underfunding from the state school fund, increased costs related to mandates and employment benefits, and deferred maintenance. The district has implemented $7.1 million in budget cuts primarily through attrition, affecting staffing levels across certified, classified, and administrative positions. Despite these reductions, no layoffs occurred, though staffing ratios will increase, impacting classroom sizes. The committee approved a permanent tax rate of $4.76 per thousand assessed value, a debt service levy of $48,357,008, and an aggregate budget of $580,664,622. The meeting concluded with appreciation for the committee's efforts amid difficult financial circumstances.