Oak Harbor Public Schools, like many districts, is facing budget reductions driven by declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and a state funding model that continues to fall short of fully supporting our schools. While our recent levy helped stabilize our schools and close part of the gap created by state and federal funding limitations, it does not resolve the larger, systemic funding challenges facing public education. Since 2022, Oak Harbor Public Schools has reduced approximately 12 million dollars in operating expenses.
Although we remain more financially stable than many districts, we are still in a position that requires careful adjustments to staffing and program service levels so they align with our available resources and our Strategic Plan. Throughout the budget reduction planning process, the Budget Advisory Team and our partners have worked thoughtfully and collaboratively to explore options that informed our plan.
Early projections suggested the possibility of a $5 million reduction, but we are currently planning for a Tier 1 reduction of $3 million. This tiered approach allows us to make more thoughtful, measured decisions now while giving us time to plan responsibly for more complex changes that may be needed in the future. Tier 1 focuses on maximizing our existing resources, improving efficiencies, and reducing redundancies where possible.
The current plan includes adjustments across Operations, CTE, ALE, Special Education, and ASC Administration, along with changes related to technology, student fees, facility use fees, and student supplies. At this time, most staffing reductions are expected to be managed through natural attrition.
What’s Next:
- July 10: Draft budget shared publicly
- August 31: Public hearing and 2026-2027 budget adoption
