Spokane Public Schools faces major layoffs regardless of tax renewal

(The Center Square) – Facing budget pressure, Spokane Public Schools might cut 400 to 500 positions if voters reject the district’s educational programs and operations levy renewal in the next 12 months.

Superintendent Adam Swinyard warned the SPS Board of Directors of the layoffs after wrapping up a presentation on Wednesday about the upcoming renewal effort. The current levy expires at the end of next year, but Swinyard said that even if voters renew it, SPS will still need to cut about 150 positions.​

Business and Finance Director Cindy Coleman attributed much of the issue to enrollment continuing to decline following the COVID-19 pandemic and to volatility around state Local Effort Assistance funding.

“There is no scenario in which we’re not going to be reducing staff,” Swinyard said. “This is n...