HOOD RIVER — The Hood River County School District (HRCSD) Budget Committee officially approved the proposed 2026-27 budget during its May 5 meeting. This approval follows a successful two-meeting format that allowed committee members to review comprehensive projections, ask detailed questions, and provide valuable insight into the district's fiscal direction. The committee’s recommendation ensures that our financial resources remain directly aligned with the HRCSD core values even as we navigate the challenges of declining enrollment and rising state-mandated costs.

To address the current fiscal landscape, the approved budget includes strategic staffing realignments based on current student enrollment and a $1.3 million adjustment to cover inflationary pressures. While these decisions required a difficult rebalancing of resources, the plan prioritizes essential student supports by maintaining standard counselor ratios and increasing investments in capital improvements, special education, and nutrition services.Â