The Washington School District’s overall enrollment is down and it will have implications on the district’s budget. The district will be looking to cut $500,000 to $750,000 from its budget for next year. At Wednesday’s school board meeting, Superintendent Jeff Dicks said there are 52 fewer students this year. He explained the district received about 60 new students but they’re still down, due to families moving away. He added this is something other schools in the county are dealing with, too.

The superintendent explained there are four solutions – looking at not replacing staff who are filling other positions, natural attrition, offering early retirement and lastly a “reduction in force.” He added he has met with about 30 members of staff to discuss early retirement and they will put together a plan to offer, which likely will not be available next year.

Also, looking ahead there are three big classes approaching graduation, and the district wants to look forward and be proactive, rather than reactive.