Dear Monroe School District Community,

I want to share an update regarding Monroe School District’s financial outlook and planning for the 2026–2027 school year. Like many school districts across the state, we are facing ongoing financial challenges related to declining enrollment, rising costs, and state funding limitations. Based on current projections, we anticipate a budget shortfall of approximately $3.5 million for the 2026–2027 school year. 

Enrollment and State Funding 

One of the largest factors affecting school funding is student enrollment. Public school funding from the state is largely based on the number of students attending our schools. During the 2025–2026 school year, enrollment in our traditional schools was lower than projected by approximately 150 students, resulting in a significant reduction in district revenue. As we plan for 2026–2027, we are budgeting more conservatively due to continued enrollment uncertainties both locally and nationwide.

At the same time, the cost of operating schools continues to increase. Expenses related to staffing, utilities, transportation, insurance, materials, and student services have all risen in recent years. While the state provides funding for public education, that funding does not fully cover the actual costs districts experience. 

While the state budget has continued to grow overall, the portion dedicated to K–12 education has declined in recent years, creating increasing pressure on local school districts. Continued advocacy for full and sustainable funding for public education remains critically important so schools can provide students with the support and opportunities they deserve. 

Staffing and Budget Reductions 

As we continue building the 2026–2027 budget, reductions will be necessary to align our expenditures with projected revenue. Because personnel costs make up the majority of district expenses, staffing adjustments are unavoidable. Our goal has consistently been to minimize staffing adjustments whenever possible through attrition (retirements and resignations), and a portion of the reductions for 2026–2027 will continue to be addressed in that way.

We have already made reductions in district office administrative positions, building administrative positions, and certificated staffing to better align staffing levels with projected enrollment and available resources. Over the past three years, four district office administrators and three district office support staff positions have been reduced as part of these efforts.

In addition, we are continuing to review expenditures, programs, services, and operational costs throughout the district to identify additional reductions with minimal impacts to students and classrooms whenever possible.

Looking Ahead 

There is also positive news moving forward. Our community’s approval of the February 2026 Education Levy reflects continued local support for Monroe students and schools. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and investment in student learning.

It is important to recognize that levy funding plays an important role in supporting educational programs, student opportunities, and services that are not fully funded by the state. Levy funding helps bridge the gap between state funding and some of the actual costs of operating schools, but it cannot fully offset challenges related to enrollment declines, rising costs, and decreasing state funding. 

We understand community members want clear and transparent information about district finances, and we are committed to continuing to provide that information openly. To help explain how school funding works in Monroe and how our annual budget is developed, we encourage community members to review our Community Guide to the Budget at www.monroe.wednet.edu/budget. The guide provides a concise, easy-to-understand overview of  our finances and budgeting. 

While these challenges are difficult, I remain confident in our ability to navigate them together with care, transparency, and a continued commitment to students and families.

Sincerely,

Shawn Woodward
Superintendent