Wadsworth schools announce budget cuts, higher fees; some elementary students could change schools

Families in the Wadsworth City School District will see several changes before the start of the 2026-27 school year after voters rejected the district’s earned income tax ballot issue in May.

District leaders say the changes follow several Board of Education discussions held after the May 5 election and are part of the district’s fiscal precaution plan.

Elementary school assignments could change

One of the biggest impacts for families will be at the elementary level.

Because of planned staffing reductions, some students who attended their neighborhood elementary school last year may be assigned to a different elementary building this fall. District officials say the goal is to keep class sizes as balanced as possible across the district.

Parents who would like to voluntarily request a different elementary school assignment can email Superintendent Dr. Andy Hill by July 27.

If additional moves are still needed after voluntary requests are considered, the district says students will be selected through a random drawing and assigned to schools with available space. Families whose children are reassigned will be notified no later than Aug. 8. Transportation will be provided for eligible students.

Teaching and staff positions eliminated

As part of the budget reductions, the district says it is eliminating numerous positions before the school year begins.

The reductions include:

14 elementary classroom teachers
Three part-time elementary art, music and physical education teachers
One intermediate school teacher
One middle school teacher
Four high school teachers
One English Language Learner teacher
One Grizzly Academy school counselor
One high school administrator
Multiple aides, student attendants, support staff and a crossing guard

The district also says 32 certified employees have been reassigned to different positions for the upcoming school year.

Student participation fees increasing

The Board of Education also approved higher participation fees for athletics and clubs.

The new fees include:

High school athletics: $150
Middle school athletics: $115
High school clubs: $40
Clubs in grades K-8: $25

The annual family cap for participation fees will be $500.

The district has also approved instructional fees for the upcoming school year.

Other budget reductions

Additional cost-saving measures include reductions in spending for professional development, technology, Chromebook replacements, custodial supplies, replacement vehicles and non-performance field trips.

The district is also delaying school bus purchases, with no new buses planned during Fiscal Year 2027 and one bus scheduled to be purchased in each of the following two fiscal years.

In addition, families will now be responsible for most online payment processing fees, except for food service purchases. District officials estimate the change will save about $50,000 each year.