This fall South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) is entering into two important conversations that are separate, but linked: a budget adjustment process and a comprehensive 5-year district planning process.

The short-term budget adjustment process will address deficit spending in the 2025-26 school year, and the projected deficit spending for the 2026-27 school year. Recommendations from the budget adjustment process will be implemented for the 2027-28 school year. Some ideas that will be generated in the budget adjustment process that need a longer "runway" for implementation will be moved into the comprehensive 5-year planning process.

The Planning for the Next 5 Years process (beginning this fall) will ensure every student has access to optimized learning environments, balanced enrollment and modern facilities. This project is not just about buildings; it is about aligning our resources — curriculum, staffing and infrastructure — to provide an exceptional educational experience for our SoWashCo communities. The plan is expected to be implemented from 2028 through 2033.

Timeline

• March – August 2026: Internal data gathering and preparation.
• August – December 2026: The Listening Tour. Standardized feedback sessions will be held across the district and the community.
• January – June 2027: Community and Staff Advisory Committee work and formal demographic studies.
• August – November 2027: The Information Tour. Sessions will be held across the district and community to share findings.
• November 2027: Final recommendations presented to the School Board for the 2028-2033 cycle.

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Three Areas of Focus | Your Voice Matters: Ways to Engage

Three Areas of Focus

Steering committees for each area of focus will be formed to guide the five-year plan.

Your Voice Matters

Attend a Community Listening Session

We are inviting members of the SoWashCo Schools community to learn more about the five-year planning process.

This is a great opportunity to listen and ask questions. We encourage anyone to attend! A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website.

The following events will be held in person:

• Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Thursday, October 29, 2026, 6:30-8 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 6:30-8 p.m.

The following events will be held virtually:

• Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 7-8:30 a.m.
• Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6:30-8 p.m.

Join the Webinar

Apply to Join the District Advisory Committee

We are forming a community and staff Advisory committee that will advise three steering committees. The District Advisory will meet from January 2027 through August 2027.

Meeting Dates:

• Advisory Meeting #1 - Thursday, January 28, 2027, 6-8 p.m.
• Advisory Meeting #2 - Thursday, February 25, 2027, 6-8 p.m.
• Advisory Meeting #3 - Thursday, April 1, 2027, 6-8 p.m.
• Advisory Meeting #4 - Thursday, April 29, 2027, 6-8 p.m.
• Advisory Meeting #5 - Thursday, May 20, 2027, 6-8 p.m.
• Advisory Meeting #6 - Thursday, June 17, 2027, 6-8 p.m.
• Advisory Meeting #7 - Thursday, July 29, 2027, 6-8 p.m.

More Ways to engage

Our Commitment to Transparency

SoWashCo Schools is focused on the long-term health of the entire system. While individual school changes can be difficult, our priority is a balanced, sustainable future for all SoWashCo students.

Stay Updated: Detailed summaries and progress reports will be shared regularly