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Financial Planning for 2027-28 School Year
4J is committed to being as transparent as possible and providing timely updates to our 4J community as it reduces spending for the coming school year’s budget by tens of millions of dollars. This webpage provides detailed information about the budget shortfall and the steps toward closing it. Importantly, it provides ways for the 4J community to stay informed and involved so the district makes needed financial decisions while remaining committed to our top priorities: students’ academic success and social-emotional well-being.
Latest Updates
Oct. 21, 2026: 4J faces a financial shortfall of $30-$35 million in early projections for the coming 2027-28 school year, Superintendent Miriam Mickelson shared with the board of directors during its work session. The board unanimously approved a resolution directing the superintendent to plan for a balanced budget with necessary reductions, including authority for another year of reduction-in-force, or layoffs.
The district made around $30 million in reductions heading into the current year, including reducing staff by some 265 full-time equivalent positions. The district carried around $16 million in structural deficit into the year, which will be covered by using one-time funds including a transfer from the facilities reserve, the sale of the Wells Fargo building and remaining financial reserves of unspent funds. The carry-over of more than $16 million is ballooned by projections of inadequate revenue and increasing costs to continue to provide the same services next year. A host of unknowns make projections difficult and subject to change in the months ahead.
Learn more about financial outlook
Prior Updates
None at this time.