Last year, SSD implemented the five-year Righting the Ship plan to ensure financial stability and provide the resources our students and staff need. Now in its second year, the plan is making progress. SSD has successfully reduced its deficit and is moving closer to its goal of maintaining a 30–35% fund balance by 2028-29. SSD remains committed to accountability, keeping staff, families, and community members informed as we work toward stability.

Why the Plan is Needed

Our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of the students we serve drives our decisions. The District’s fund balance had been declining due to rising costs, a decrease in state funding, and the need to provide competitive compensation and benefits for our staff. Decisions and actions were needed to protect student services and financial stability.

Plan Progress

Beginning in the 2024–25 school year, SSD made adjustments across three main areas of the plan: capital projects reallocation, comprehensive staffing plan, and non-wage cost containment.

2024-25: Deficit reduced from $74.8 million to approximately $58 million
2025-26: Future reductions of $24.4 million are expected*
*These projections may shift due to unexpected expenditures or revenue fluctuations.

Looking ahead to the 2026–27 school year, SSD will continue to prioritize cuts as far away from the classroom as possible to minimize the impact on students and staff. This approach shows our continued commitment to using resources wisely while keeping classroom learning and essential programs our top priority.

Forward Focus

SSD will keep stakeholders informed on the progress of these initiatives, any adjustments made, and their impact on students and staff. This school year, this work will include:

Established a Budgetary Task Force of SSD and partner district stakeholders to review progress and recommend solutions
Launching the ClearGov online budgeting and planning platform to improve collaboration and streamline the processes

We appreciate your continued support and engagement as we work together to ensure a strong future for our students, families, staff, and community.

Staff and stakeholders with questions can submit questions via Let’s Talk.