Corbett School District Faces Budget Crisis, Layoffs Loom
CORBETT, Ore. — Teachers in the Corbett School District are grappling with uncertainty after an unexpected announcement of significant layoffs due to a massive budget deficit. The district, serving around 1,100 students and employing nearly 90 teachers, plans to implement a 20% budget cut, attributed to alleged accounting errors by its longtime accountant.
Superintendent Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz revealed that a newly hired chief financial officer uncovered these discrepancies in July. “I feel horrible about where we are,” he stated, expressing regret for the situation.
The district plans to cut three teachers, three administrators, and four classified staff members, though Fialkiewicz did not disclose their identities, indicating they are among the most recently hired. As part of the restructuring, unassigned teachers will step into classrooms affected by the layoffs come January, meaning students will experience mid-year instructor changes.
Teachers, like kindergarten teacher Devon Groh, voiced their shock and anxiety over the situation. Groh expressed confidence in the community’s support and the district’s commitment to maintaining educational quality, despite the challenges.
The timeline of when the district became aware of its financial troubles has raised questions among teachers and community members. Fialkiewicz noted that staff were informed in September about the deficit as the CFO began analyzing the financial data.
The district’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., where a financial report detailing corrective measures to prevent future errors will be presented. As the district navigates these tumultuous waters, teachers are focused on ensuring that students’ needs remain a top priority.
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