The Hockinson School District will cut about 30 classified staff positions as it deals with a $2.1 million budget shortfall, the district announced Wednesday.
The deficit is due to a significant drop in student enrollment this school year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“This news is heartbreaking for our entire community,” said Hockinson Superintendent Steve Marshall. “I wish that none of these staffing reductions were necessary to overcome the enormous financial challenges our district is facing because of this pandemic.”
Marshall said additional layoffs are possible as the district gains a better understanding of ongoing budget impacts. However, he said, it is the district’s goal that laid off and reassigned employees will be rehired when more students return to school.
