RICHLAND, Wash – The Richland School District is dealing with financial difficulties, which were anticipated due to several factors, according to district officials.
In a document provided to NonStop Local by Shawna Dinh, the public information officer for RSD, officials cite a lack of state funding, the loss of one-time federal funding, and economic challenges as major contributors.
The document goes on to explain how these issues developed, starting with the McCleary decision. This legislation, passed in Washington, makes the state responsible for funding all K-12 education. However, in recent years, RSD argues the state has gradually reduced its investment in K-12 education.
Three main factors are also identified that affect the district: growing student support needs, insufficient special education funding, and higher operating costs.
An additional estimated 22.5% staffing attrition has lead to district officials looking for cost saving measures, as well as asking for additional state and local funding.
On Monday, the Richland School District and the paraeducators union (PSE SEIU Local 1948) announced that due to the funding shortfall, some positions would need to be cut.
Paraeducators were informed that, based on seniority, they could accept new positions, be placed on a substitute list, or accept a layoff from the district. Those choosing a layoff might be denied unemployment because RSD offered alternative positions.
Tuesday, Oct. 29 was originally set for contacting paraeducators to inform them of the re-assignments, however, in an email provided to NonStop Local by an anonymous paraeducator, RSD staff stated that re-assignments would start on Wednesday, October 30.
The change in date was explained as district principals still had questions about the re-assignments. RSD confirmed that the email was sent Tuesday morning.
