Richland School District Considers Staffing

Preparing for the 2024-25 school year, the Richland School District is considering two different staffing plans to accommodate both the passing or failure of an operational referendum in April. In either case, the plan is to not replace the IT Director’s position, after Todd Ostrander retires on June 30, 2024. Those duties will get disbursed among other employees in the District. If the Operational Referendum Fails in April, the district will reduce teaching staff by 5.5 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions. While the district tries to reduce through attrition and/or staff not subject to the non-renewal procedures first, it may not be possible based on needs and licensures. If the Operational Referendum Passes in April 2024, the district will maintain the 23-24 teaching staff numbers, but still reduce administration/upper management by one FTE. The exact positions and the best way to utilize these positions are still being examined by the administrative team. In addition, staff hired using ESSER funds are not subject to the non-renewal process, their contract expires at the end of the year, and they would have to re-apply for any posted position they may be interested in. The plan does not include staffing positions that might change due to special education needs. Those positions are driven by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and are considered on a case-by-case situation. It also does not consider the PARTNER school and the possibility of adding support there as it continues to grow. If these positions are needed, they will be brought to the Board at a future meeting.