Roseburg Schools Plans $4.5 Million In Reductions As Enrollment Declines And Costs Rise

Roseburg Public Schools is preparing to make about $4.5 million in budget reductions for the 2026-27 school year, a decision district leaders say is being driven by declining enrollment, rising costs, reductions in some grants and the need to maintain a balanced, sustainable budget.

The reductions will include some staffing changes. District officials said most of the staffing adjustments are being handled through retirements and resignations, though approximately 19 employees, representing less than 3 percent of the district’s workforce, are being affected by layoffs.

The announcement is significant for the Roseburg community, where schools are not only places of learning, but also gathering places, support systems and part of the daily lives of thousands of families, staff members and students.

Superintendent Jared Cordon said one of his most important responsibilities is ensuring Roseburg Schools remains financially strong while continuing to provide students with the care, support and instruction they need.

“Each year, our School Board adopts a balanced budget that reflects our commitment to living within our means while protecting the programs and services that matter most to students and families,” Cordon said in a message to families.

According to the district, Roseburg Schools is facing several financial pressures at the same time. Student enrollment has declined over time, which reduces the amount of funding the district receives from Oregon’s State School Fund. At the same time, costs tied to employee retirement benefits, inflation and some state and federal grant reductions are placing additional pressure on the budget.

District officials said those financial challenges are not unique to Roseburg. School systems across Oregon are navigating similar issues, including lower enrollment, higher operating costs and budget reductions. Officials also pointed to broader demographic trends, including declining birth rates across the country, which have contributed to long-term enrollment shifts for school districts statewide.

In a message provided to The Roseburg Receiver, Roseburg Schools said rising fuel costs continue to affect transportation expenses, food costs have increased significantly and operational expenses across the board continue to climb.

“Like families and businesses throughout our community, districts have to make adjustments to ensure revenue and expenditures remain balanced and sustainable,” the district said.

Cordon said the largest part of the district’s budget is dedicated to the people who serve students each day, which means some staffing adjustments are necessary to keep the budget balanced.

“These decisions are never easy, because our employees are more than staff members, they are people we care deeply about,” Cordon said. “They are part of the Roseburg Schools family and part of the heart of what makes our schools such special places for students.”

He added that he is deeply grateful for the care, compassion and commitment employees bring to their work each day, and for the difference they make in the lives of students and families across the district.

Despite the reductions, Cordon said families should not expect widespread increases in class sizes.

“I want to reassure families that we expect to maintain class sizes within or below our target ranges for most grade levels,” he said. “We are also preserving the many positions added in recent years to support students' academic, social, emotional and behavioral wellbeing.”

One of the district’s central points is that Roseburg Schools is serving nearly 700 fewer students than it did a decade ago, but still employs more staff and more licensed educators per student than it did at that time.

Cordon said the district’s focus remains on providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. He said Roseburg Schools will continue to pursue grants and other opportunities that strengthen educational programs, support students and expand opportunities across schools.

“Roseburg Schools remains financially stable, and these adjustments reflect proactive planning to ensure we continue operating responsibly and sustainably for years to come,” Cordon said. “We are also committed to maintaining healthy financial reserves.”

District officials emphasized that Roseburg Schools remains in a stronger financial position than many neighboring districts because of careful financial planning in recent years. The district said the reductions are difficult, but reflect proactive stewardship and a long-term effort to keep the district stable and sustainable.

“We’re trying to approach this with as much transparency, care, and context as possible so families and staff understand both the challenges we’re facing and the work being done to continue protecting student opportunities while responsibly managing district resources,” the district said.

Cordon acknowledged that school finance can feel complicated and said the community deserves clear information about how public funds are used to support students and operate schools. Additional information is available through Roseburg Schools’ budget information page and the district’s most recent Annual Financial Report.

Cordon closed his message by thanking families for their continued support.

“Together, we will continue to provide exceptional opportunities for students while planning responsibly for the future,” he said.

The district also provided answers to several questions families and community members may have as staff, parents and community members process the news.

Why Is The District Reducing Staff?

The district said declining enrollment reduces state funding, while costs related to retirement benefits, inflation and some grant reductions continue to rise. Roseburg Schools must adopt a balanced budget each year.

Why Are Jobs Still Being Posted?

According to the district, some vacancies require specific licenses or endorsements, are funded through restricted grants, or are needed to meet specialized student and program needs. Positions created by retirements and resignations may also still need to be filled.

Will This Affect My Child's Education?

The district said it expects to maintain class sizes within target ranges for most grade levels and is preserving many student support positions. The goal is to minimize impacts on students.

Why Was A Specific Employee Affected?

Personnel decisions involve contractual processes, licensure requirements and staffing needs across the district. Individual employee circumstances are confidential, the district said.

Could Reserves Have Prevented These Layoffs?

The district said financial reserves are intended to protect against emergencies and unexpected revenue changes. Using all reserves to avoid necessary adjustments would create greater financial challenges in future years.

What Happens To Teachers Who Are Laid Off?

Under the collective bargaining agreement, teachers affected by layoffs have first rights to available positions that open over the next two years.

Is The District Financially Stable?

The district said yes. Officials said the adjustments are being made to maintain a balanced budget and ensure Roseburg Schools remains financially strong over the long term.

How Can Families And Community Members Help?

The district said one of the most meaningful ways to support students is by getting involved in schools. Volunteers can help by reading with students, assisting in classrooms, supporting events and mentoring young people. While volunteers do not replace professional staff, the district said they are an important part of the partnerships that help students thrive.

Roseburg Schools also pointed to similar budget conversations happening in other Oregon districts, including recent reporting from OPB on proposed budget cuts in the Eugene School District and The Oregonian/OregonLive on why districts across Oregon are facing deep cuts despite additional state money.