ST. LOUIS – The Ferguson-Florissant School District is seeking input from families, staff, and community members on potential budget cuts to address a projected $7.7 million deficit for the next school year.
Despite previous spending reductions and $1.4 million in cuts approved by the school board on February 26, the district faces significant financial challenges.
District leaders have communicated through an online message that a cost reduction plan is crucial for maintaining financial stability while fulfilling commitments to students, staff, and the community.
The district is conducting a survey to gather public opinions on various cost-cutting measures, including a possible hiring freeze for non-essential positions, limiting overtime, increasing class sizes, reducing the number of teachers, cutting administrative staff, and reducing transportation services.
According to district leaders, the financial crisis is attributed to several factors, including declining enrollment, increases in staff positions and salaries, dropping attendance rates, rising general costs, tax reductions, and changes in funding formulas.
As the Ferguson-Florissant School District evaluates its next steps, community input will play a vital role in shaping the district’s approach to addressing its financial challenges.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.