The Lincoln County School District’s board has approved a $180 million budget for 2025-26.
In the coming fiscal year, the school expects a $2.8 million deficit from declining enrollment. The shortfall will be balanced by cash reserves, a one-time wildfire grant and not filling several vacant staff positions. However, the school district expects more tough decisions in the years to come as enrollment continues to decline.
Most revenue for the $180 million budget comes from Gov. Tina Kotek’s recommendation that $11.3 billion be allocated to state public school fund.
Originally, the LCSD budget was a proposed $181 million but the general fund beginning balance was overestimated and needed to be reduced by $1 million.
The budget, along with the changes was unanimously approved May 15 by the budget committee – a group made of Lincoln County residents and board members. Then, the budget was unanimously adopted by the school board Tuesday night.
The budget can be viewed on the school district’s website.
- Shayla Escudero/Lincoln Chronicle
