We appreciate the patience, understanding and commitment demonstrated by staff members, students, families and the community during the process of making difficult reductions in force and budget cuts. Each staff member and program provides valuable services and support to students and families.
We want to share an update to budget cuts. Due to some changes in our budget outlook, we will be able to preserve about 30% of the positions and programs that were initially slated for reduction. However, approximately 70% of the planned reductions will still move forward due to the loss of local levy funding.
See the list of positions and programs that will be preserved and what will remain on the cut list. Staff members whose positions are being reinstated will receive communication from their program supervisor or our human resources department.
How these decisions were made
On May 27, 2025, the board of directors discussed recommended positions and programs to preserve and weighed in on additional options.
The primary focus was on student safety and well-being. Consideration also was given to contractual, state and federal mandates, as well as roles that provide multiple areas of support. For example, assistant principals are qualified to help with student discipline, teacher evaluations, classroom teaching and more.
Please note: These preserved positions may still be at risk in future years unless additional funding becomes available through passage of an education and operations levy. Using our fund balance to pay for ongoing costs is not sustainable.
Why some positions can be preserved
In late April, we shared a worst case scenario for staffing and budget reductions as a result of the double levy failure. However, two key factors have improved the budget outlook:
State funding increases: Earlier in May, we learned that we will receive an additional $2 million from the state as a result of the legislative session. Those increases will help fund special education, materials, supplies and operating costs.
Use of the unassigned fund balance: The fund balance is the amount of money left over after all revenue has been received and expenses have been paid. While much of it is already designated for specific purposes or restricted in use, a portion of the fund balance is unassigned. The current unassigned portion of the fund balance is at 6%. This means that 2% of it can be used temporarily (spread over two school years) to pay for expenses as long as the unassigned fund balance remains within the policy requirement of 4% to 6%. It is imperative to note that these are one-time funds that are not sustainable revenue for ongoing operational expenses, and continued use of fund balance will reduce the district’s financial health score, which is currently exceeding the average for Clark County school districts.
We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process. Please visit our budget updates webpage for additional information about the impact of the double levy failure.