The Washoe County School District is moving ahead with another round of cost-saving steps after trustees approved additional budget reductions aimed at closing a projected FY27 General Fund deficit and stabilizing district finances.
The Board of Trustees voted to approve the measures, which are expected to take effect July 1, 2026.
The plan includes the reduction of 39 positions, including 19 that were vacant. District officials said people affected by the cuts have been notified and are being supported by their leadership and the Office of Human Resources.
Through the use of existing vacancies and retirements, all full-time regular employees will be offered another job within the district.
District leadership said Washoe County is facing the same financial pressures as many school districts and public agencies across Nevada, where ongoing costs continue to rise faster than available revenue. Leaders emphasized the need for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
“These were difficult but necessary decisions,” said Board President Adam Mayberry. “Responsible stewardship means acting before reserves are exhausted. One-time solutions or deferring action would only create deeper challenges in future years.”
According to the district, declining enrollment has played a major role in the budget strain. Since the 2019- 2020 school year, enrollment has dropped by about 10 percent, directly reducing General Fund revenue.
At the same time, state funding growth has remained limited. For the 2026 to 2027 school year, the state approved a $73 increase in per pupil funding, or 0.75 percent, which district officials said does not keep pace with required salary step increases, special education staffing needs, contract inflation, and higher insurance costs.
Earlier projections showed the district facing an $18.4 million General Fund shortfall for FY27. In September, trustees approved cost-saving measures that reduced the deficit to about $8.3 million.
After further review of projected revenue, the estimated shortfall was reduced again to roughly $5.7 million.
Trustees and district leaders said they will continue monitoring enrollment, revenue, and spending as they work to align resources while supporting students, staff, and the Washoe County community.
