The Springfield Bridge Plan
Building a bridge, not burning one.
A thoughtful, community-driven alternative to proposed budget cuts. Through shared sacrifice now and a public levy in May, we can protect our educators and build toward a sustainable future.
Community Meeting
Please plan to join a meeting hosted by C.A.P.E. (Coalition for the Alliance of Public Education) on January 28th at 5:30PM at the Springfield Public Library.
All are welcome to come learn about the Alliance for Public Education and hear about a parallel effort to help shape the curriculum challenges we face in our district today.
Learn More About C.A.P.E.The Challenge We Face
Understanding the situation together
The Current Proposal
The Springfield School District faces a budget gap that, under the current plan, would result in laying off more than 30 staff members within the next two weeks.
We understand that difficult decisions must be made. Budget constraints are real, and our school board faces genuine challenges. However, we believe there's a better path forward—one that protects our educators, maintains educational quality, and brings our community together.
This isn't about pointing fingers. It's about working together to find solutions that serve everyone in our community.
The Bridge Plan Solution
A collaborative path forward
"Building a bridge, not burning one."
The Bridge Plan offers an alternative approach to addressing the budget gap—one that phases changes thoughtfully, creatively reallocates existing resources, and keeps our community whole while we work through this challenge together. No new funding required—just difficult but compassionate choices.
Phased Approach
Instead of immediate layoffs, implement changes gradually to minimize disruption and allow for adjustment.
Creative Reallocation
Work within existing budget through strategic deferrals, reallocation of unspent funds, and shared sacrifice—no new money required.
Community Input
Engage parents, teachers, and community members in finding creative solutions together.
Transparent Process
Open communication about finances, decisions, and progress every step of the way.
One Idea: A Bridge Loan
Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) / Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN)
The $13 Million Question
Springfield School District is projected to have approximately $13 million in Unallocated Ending Fund Balance (UEFB) once this school year ends. That's money the district already has—but can't touch yet.
Why Can't We Use It Now?
Under Oregon state law, school districts cannot spend their ending fund balance during the current budget year—it's only accessible once the fiscal year closes. This creates a frustrating timing gap: the money exists, but it's legally locked until June 30th.
What is a TAN/TRAN?
A Tax Anticipation Note is a short-term borrowing tool that lets districts borrow against funds they're guaranteed to receive. The district borrows now, and repays the loan once those funds become legally accessible at the end of the budget year.
Why "Bridge" Loan?
It's the perfect metaphor: we're not asking for new money—we're building a bridge to money that's already there. The TAN/TRAN lets us spend the $13M UEFB now by simply repaying the loan once it becomes accessible in July.
Benefits
- Access funds the district already has
- Preserves jobs and programs now
- Low interest rates for municipal borrowing
- Common practice—not experimental
- Repaid automatically when UEFB is released
- No new taxes or levies required
Note: This is one potential tool in our toolkit. The district would need to evaluate feasibility, interest costs, and legal requirements before pursuing this option.
Another Idea: The Four-Pronged Solution
A concrete example of how we could close the gap together
Staff Furloughs
- 7 days for SEA members
- 6 days for OSEA members
- Shared sacrifice across all staff
Difficult, but keeps everyone employed
Capital Deferral
- Only 1.5% spent to date
- Defer non-critical projects 1 year
- Protect safety & ADA compliance
Easiest savings—nothing lost, just delayed
Admin Furloughs
- 2-3 days for admin staff
- Leadership shares the burden
- Sets tone from the top
Everyone has skin in the game
Operational Cuts
- Supplies, PD, travel, misc
- Administrative belt-tightening
- Non-personnel reductions
Trimming where it hurts least
Buffer available for revenue shortfalls, enrollment decline, or negotiation flexibility
📊 Capital Outlay: The Biggest Opportunity
Almost nothing has been spent yet—this is the easiest target for deferral.
Keeps $312K for safety/ADA/critical maintenance
- Technology (computers, software) $400K
- Facilities (cosmetic, non-critical) $500K
- Furniture & Equipment $300K
- Vehicles (buses, grounds) $200K
- Building Improvements (non-critical) $200K
Safety/security, ADA, code compliance, emergency repairs
Source: Budget Working Session, Page 14 — Capital projects can be restored with levy passage
📋 Complete Savings Breakdown
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| SEA Furloughs (7 days) | $1,252,636 |
| OSEA Furloughs (6 days) | $360,000 |
| Admin Furloughs (2-3 days) | $100,000 |
| Capital Outlay Deferral | $1,600,000 |
| Supplies/PD/Travel/Other | $375,000 |
| TOTAL SAVINGS | $3,687,636 |
All data has been derived from the Adopted 2025-2026 Budget and from the latest Budget Committee Working Session (01/08/2026). We encourage everyone to review these public documents.
The Path to Restoration: May Levy Election
This bridge plan is designed to get us through the immediate crisis. The long-term solution is a public levy on May 20th. If the community passes the levy, furlough days can be restored and capital projects can proceed. This isn't just about cuts—it's about building a bridge to a sustainable future.
Implementation Timeline
A realistic path from today to the May levy
Emergency board meeting. Present furlough proposal. Board decision Jan 26.
Complete negotiations. Union ratification. Board approval. Budget amendments.
Implement reductions. Form levy committee. Begin planning.
Levy campaign. Board resolution. Community outreach.
🗳️ LEVY ELECTION
Request emergency board meeting by January 20
January 26 board meeting is decision point
Levy passage restores furlough days and capital
Why This Matters
Benefits for our entire community
For Students
Maintain smaller class sizes, preserve programs, and ensure continuity in their education.
For Educators
Protect jobs, honor commitments, and maintain the talented team our students depend on.
For Families
Keep our schools strong, maintain property values, and preserve what makes Springfield special.
For Springfield
Model collaborative problem-solving and strengthen the bonds that make our community resilient.
Community Voices
Hear from neighbors who support the Bridge Plan
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How Can I Help?
Add your voice to support the Bridge Plan
