The Eugene 4J School District is grappling with a significant $30 million budget deficit, prompting a series of proposed reductions that include staff cuts and the potential closure of at least one school. The first phase of these recommendations has sent a wave of concern through the community, particularly among families at Family School, which is being considered for closure.
Key Takeaways
- Eugene's 4J School District faces a $30 million budget shortfall, forcing difficult decisions.
- The superintendent has proposed a multi-phase plan for reductions, starting with staff cuts.
- Family School, the district's least-populated school, is under consideration for closure.
- Parents express shock and concern, citing the school's unique, family-integrated learning model as essential for their children.
- The district is also exploring co-locating the school within another building as an alternative to a full closure.
A District Facing Difficult Choices
Officials within the Eugene 4J School District are navigating a severe financial challenge. A budget gap of approximately $30 million has forced the administration to identify areas for significant spending cuts to ensure fiscal stability for the upcoming school year.
To address the deficit, the superintendent has initiated a three-phase plan to roll out reduction recommendations. The first of these phases is already underway and includes reductions in staffing across the district. According to Kelly McIver, the Director of Communications for Eugene 4J, these initial steps are just the beginning of a difficult process.
"The superintendent has three different phases that she's rolling out her recommendations for reductions, so she presented the first phase of those and that includes some staff reductions," McIver explained. The multi-stage approach is designed to allow for careful consideration and community feedback as the district moves forward with more impactful decisions.
Family School Under Threat of Closure
Among the most significant proposals being considered is the closure of schools. Family School, located on Crest Drive, has been specifically identified as a candidate for closure. The primary reason cited by the district is its size; it is currently the least-populated school in the 4J system.
This news came as a shock to the school's tight-knit community. Hailey Lessel, a parent with four children enrolled at the school, described her reaction to the news as one of disbelief. The potential loss of the school has created significant emotional distress for families who rely on its specialized environment.
"I was in disbelief," Lessel stated. "To hear that they're considering closing us was a very emotional moment for me because [her son] has nowhere else to go and there were no words that can really describe how you feel when you hear the only spot your kid feels accepted is going away."
The sentiment highlights a core concern for many parents: that Family School provides a unique and irreplaceable educational setting that cannot be replicated in a larger, more traditional school.
What is Family School?
Family School was founded on a collaborative model between parents and teachers who wanted a different educational solution. Its core philosophy involves deep parental engagement in the learning process, creating a community-focused environment that differs from conventional public schools. This unique structure is often what draws families to enroll their children.
A Community Rallies to Save a Unique Model
While the district points to low enrollment numbers as a practical reason for considering the closure, parents argue that the school's value cannot be measured by size alone. Joey Carlson, a parent whose children previously attended, emphasized the school's foundational principles.
"For us it was a choice of being able to have our family engage with our students as they learn," Carlson said. "That's actually how Family School got founded. It was a collaboration between parents and teachers at the time that wanted a different solution for their school."
This parent-integrated model is what supporters believe makes Family School essential, particularly for students who may not thrive in conventional academic settings. The potential closure is viewed not just as the shuttering of a building, but as the dismantling of a vital educational alternative within the district.
Exploring Alternatives
An alternative to a complete shutdown is also on the table. The district is considering co-locating Family School within another, larger 4J building. This could preserve the program while reducing the overhead costs associated with maintaining a separate facility. This idea aligns with the school's original operating model, where it shared a location.
According to McIver, the superintendent is giving this option serious thought. "She is taking... their ideas very seriously, and looking very hard at the possibility of co-locating Family School in another 4J building for next year," she confirmed. This provides a glimmer of hope for families who want to see the program continue, even if it means a change of address.
What Happens Next?
The discussion is far from over. The district has stressed that no final decisions have been made regarding Family School or other potential school closures. The immediate future of the school and the broader budget cuts will be a central topic at an upcoming special board meeting.
This meeting, scheduled for January 7, will provide a crucial forum for parents, teachers, and community members to voice their concerns and for the school board to deliberate on the proposed solutions. The outcome will have a lasting impact on the students of Family School and the wider Eugene 4J community as it confronts its financial reality.
For now, parents like Hailey Lessel and Joey Carlson are focused on advocating for the educational model they believe in, hoping that the district will find a solution that saves a program they see as indispensable.
