Eugene 4J School District has pushed back its next public budget meeting from the end of March to April 8. Springfield, which is also facing a deficit, will hold budget townhalls over the next few weeks.
That change comes after 4J leaders discovered the shortfall was much larger than originally anticipated, potentially as much as $40 to $50 million.
Superintendent Miriam Mickelson said in an announcement Monday that budget staff needed more time to finalize projections.
"School finance, particularly in Oregon, is complex and involves variables that are often outside of our control," Mickelson said in a news release. "At the same time, this situation makes clear that we must continue to review, refine, and strengthen our internal systems and practices to be responsive to current variables such as declining enrollment and inflation."
Details on that forecast, and potential impacts will be available during the April 8 and April 22 budget meetings.
Springfield Public Schools is also working to close a gap and will hold forums in a few weeks to gather feedback.
Springfield is facing a $7.9 million deficit, more than $2 million less than its original larger estimate.
Forums will be held on March 30 at 10 a.m. and April 1 at 1 p.m. at the Springfield Administration Building. Forums will also be available on March 31 at 6 p.m. at Thurston High School and on April 2 at 6 p.m. at Springfield High School.
