St. Joseph School District projects over $2 million in savings from staff turnover

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — As the St. Joseph School District faces continued budget concerns. There is a bit of financial relief coming through the district's staff turnover.

According to documents posted on the Board of Education's meeting agenda, the district has saved approximately $2.42 million through staff retirements or resignations, where it originally expected to save $2.15 million.

SJSD is using this approach to avoid layoffs while still reducing costs.  

According to the data as of March 19, the biggest savings have come from the teacher positions. The district anticipates not replacing about 25 teachers, which alone is expected to save roughly $1.75 million.  

Additional savings will come from reductions in administrative roles, counselors, campus supervisors and other support staff. 

By the following school year, 2027–2028, savings are expected to grow to approximately $3.83 million. 

Not all departments are seeing reductions, as SJSD's nutrition and engineering departments are currently understaffed.

District officials have not announced any direct layoffs as part of this plan, but are emphasizing how savings will come strictly from vacant positions left employees retire or reisgn.