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Righting the Ship

Last year, SSD implemented the five-year Righting the Ship plan to ensure financial stability and provide the resources our students and staff need.  Following a thorough review of District operations and finances, conducted when Superintendent Dr. Michael Maclin took office in October 2023, the Righting the Ship plan aims to secure fiscal stability while ensuring that the District continues to meet the diverse needs of students across the county.

Now in its second year, the plan is making progress. SSD has successfully reduced its deficit and is moving closer to its goal of maintaining a 30–35% fund balance by 2028-29. SSD remains committed to accountability, keeping staff, families, and community members informed as we work toward stability.

"Our top priority remains ensuring the best possible educational experience for our students as we move forward with Righting the Ship. By making strategic adjustments now, we're building a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability and success in the future."SSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Maclin

Why The Plan Is Needed

Our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of the students we serve drives our decisions. The District’s fund balance had been declining due to rising costs, a decrease in state funding, and the need to provide competitive compensation and benefits for our staff. Decisions and actions were needed to protect student services and financial stability.

ChatGPT said: Line chart titled “Fund Balance in Percent” showing two trend lines from 2023–2029. The blue line (Projected Fund Balance %) declines gradually from 54.23% to 24.63%, while the orange line (Previous Path Fund Balance %) drops sharply from 44.85% to –7.55%. The chart shows the projected path maintains a positive balance while the previous path falls into deficit.

Plan Progress

Beginning in the 2024–25 school year, SSD made adjustments across three main areas of the plan: capital projects reallocation, comprehensive staffing plan, and non-wage cost containment.

  • 2024-25: Deficit reduced from $74.8 million to approximately $58 million
  • 2025-26: Future reductions of $24.4 million are expected*

*These projections may shift due to unexpected expenditures or revenue fluctuations.

Looking ahead to the 2026–27 school year, SSD will continue to prioritize cuts as far away from the classroom as possible to minimize the impact on students and staff. This approach shows our continued commitment to using resources wisely while keeping classroom learning and essential programs our top priority.

Foward Focus

SSD will keep stakeholders informed on the progress of these initiatives, any adjustments made, and their impact on students and staff. This school year, this work will include:

  • Establishing a Budgetary Task Force of SSD and partner district stakeholders to review progress and recommend solutions

  • Launching the ClearGov online budgeting and planning platform to improve collaboration and streamline the processes