Waterloo schools brace for staff cuts as funding decreases

[WATERLOO, Iowa] — More staff cuts are looming at Waterloo schools as the district navigates a challenging financial situation.

In an email on Friday, Superintendent Jared Smith informed employees that, amid a three-year, $20 million budget reduction process that began in the 2024-2025 school year, the district is likely facing even further cuts as an enrollment drop of more than 250 students this year has led to a $2 million loss in state funding.

Superintendent Jared Smith attributes the drop in enrollment to a number of different things.

“One is more access to private schools through legislative changes. Another is the crackdown on immigration,” Smith said. “The Waterloo Schools have seen a number of immigrants come in over the years. We’re seeing less of that this year. We’re also s