The Pella School Board will begin a process that likely results in a significant reduction to the district’s budget at their meeting today. During the regular session, the board will receive a presentation about the ongoing financial situation and how the process will begin to likely make cuts to programming.

Projections generated for the board, based on estimated state aid, certified enrollment, current expenditures, and future enrollment show the district is on track to lose nearly $1 million in the general fund annually for the next three years if no changes are made. Superintendent Greg Ebeling says the board will utilize early retirement incentives, but it won’t be enough to cover the gap — and thus, more significant reductions are expected.

The meeting marks the beginning of the process, with more formal decisions expected in December. Prior to regular business, the Pella School Board is meeting with State Senator Ken Rozenboom and Representative Barb Kniff McCulla. The meeting begins at 4:30 this afternoon in the Pella High School library.