Douglas County School District’s significant financial challenges could result in the possibility of state intervention.

The district is preparing for a meeting with the Department of Taxation to discuss potential oversight and receivership, officials said at a Nov. 13 meeting. In response to these challenges, the district plans to engage with state representatives to explore finding solutions and address the root causes of financial instability.

Over the past five years, the district has seen a decrease from 5,221 students to 4,691 students resulting in a loss of over $5 million in revenue.

Teachers and parents expressed concerns about the impact of financial constraints on teacher retention and student success. Some teachers reported taking pay cuts due to salary stagnation and increased healthcare costs, while others highlighted the potential loss of essential staff positions.

Last week’s meeting, attended by district employees, parents, and community members, highlighted the impact for the county’s aging population on school enrollment. With a median age of 54.2 the county is increasingly becoming a retirement destination, which poses challenges for attracting new students.

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School board trustees discussed the need for data-informed decisions and transparency in addressing budget reductions. They acknowledged the issue of declining enrollment and the lack of available waivers or exceptions to mitigate financial losses.

Moving forward the board plans to collaborate with school administrators to update the staffing matrix and explore solutions to stabilize enrollment and financial health.

The discussion further revealed that the district is facing financial constraints due to a 7.2 percent decrease in student enrollment over the past two years. This decline has necessitated budget adjustments across various categories, impacting the district’s financial stability.

Participants stressed the importance of careful financial management and transparency to maintain community trust and support.

To further address these issues, a special meeting is scheduled for Dec. 3 to discuss audit findings. The district is committed to continuing public engagement and transparency efforts regarding budget decisions.