The Waterloo School District has announced that they will be making staff cuts, spread out over the next two years, according to KWWL. Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith warned staff that the cuts will be finalized for next school year by March 14th. The cuts are being blamed on a drastic decrease to the district’s general fund and inflation, among other causes. The cuts come despite the district making over $5million worth of programming cuts. In 2023 the general fund was over $31.7million, in 2024 it was just $8.2million due to COVID-19 federal funds running out, less state funding, and inflation, according to the district. Smith says he is also planning to propose a new property tax increase to offset costs for employees in the district’s special education, English language learner, and at-risk programs. Smith says the amount of staff that retires or leaves the district may alter the final number of cuts made.
