Forest Grove School District plans up to 51 position cuts, $4.6M in reductions

Forest Grove School District plans to cut up to 51 full-time positions for the 2026-27 school year, part of $4.6 million in potential budget reductions the district announced this month. Declining enrollment and state funding that hasn’t kept up with operating costs are driving the cuts, the district said. School Board Chair Kristy Kottkey and Vice Chair Alma Lozano will host a community Q&A Tuesday, April 21, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the district office, 1728 Main St., to answer questions about school funding and the upcoming reductions. Translation services will be provided, and the district said anyone is welcome to attend. Forest Grove’s Board of Directors authorized a reduction in force on April 14, setting a timeline that runs through mid-June. Licensed educators must be notified of layoffs by May 15, and classified instructional assistants by May 29. The last work day for classified instructional assistants is June 12; the last contract day for licensed educators is June 15. Superintendent Dr. Suzanne West will present a proposed budget to the district’s Budget Committee on May 14. The district identified the $4.6 million in potential reductions through a public engagement process that began Feb. 24 and drew more than 2,000 community members through surveys and in-person events, according to the district. “Safety and Security” ranked as the top priority across parent, student and staff groups. The district said it is aiming for proportional impact across its four staff classifications. Licensed educators face a 6.7% reduction, the second-lowest impact percentage among the groups. Cuts will be absorbed through early retirement incentives, vacancies, resignations, and administrative transfers. The district approved a retirement and resignation incentive package during their April 3 meeting, aiming to trim licensed staff members with ten or more years of employment at the district. "Our hope is that this resignation and retirement incentive will allow for some individuals to make a decision to voluntarily exit," said FGSD Director of Human Resources Sarah Hamlin. The rest of the reductions will have to come through layoffs. Budget priorities include preserving student-facing teaching staff, coaching and specialized instructional support roles, counseling and mental health services, and funding for electives and extracurriculars. FGSD said it would also maintain evidence-based instructional practices, including the Science of Reading and Two-Way Dual Language Immersion programs. More information, including the detailed reduction in force process, Budget Committee meeting schedule and a budget FAQ, is available on the district’s website.