CHARLO — When next year’s school year starts, there could be up to four less employees at Charlo schools due to expected budget cuts of about $173,000.

A $116,000 decrease in general fund dollars is due to down enrollment numbers. The brunt of that figure is from a 10 student decrease in the elementary student population, with a five student drop at the high school.

“We were blown away,” Superintendent Thom Peck said about the drop in enrollment’s impact on funding during Monday’s school board meeting.

Additionally, an increase in salaries and benefits for certified and classified employees, as well as salary increases for administrators, will cost the district roughly $57,000 next year. When teacher and non-teacher contracts were settled earlier in the year, enrollment numbers were higher. Board members agreed Monday night that non-union employees shouldn’t be penalized with no raise because their contracts came up for renewal later in the year.

While the general fund is dropping, overall revenues are up because of grants, said Sara Vaughn, district clerk. Even though the district tries to be as creative as possible with grant dollars, use of those funds is restricted based on grant rules, she said.

One way to make ends meet is to cut staff, and board members briefly discussed what that would look like during Monday’s meeting.

Peck made a tentative proposal to cut 2 1/2 teacher positions and up to 1 1/2 support staff positions, but said cutting staff isn’t always the best way to go. Currently, the district employs 22 1/2 teachers and 11 non-teaching staff, along with a superintendent, K-12 principal, clerk, technology coordinator and busing director.

“I still think you build your district around people, and if we can sort of minimize the people effect then I think that’s the best way to try to approach these cuts,” Peck said Tuesday morning.

Cutting isn’t a long-term solution, board member Dave DeGrandpre said.

“Bottom line is we need revenue,” he said, asking board members and administrators to consider looking at ways to raise money.

A general mill levy would increase revenues, but they traditionally don’t pass easily or at all, Peck said.

Such a levy would “choke” taxpayers, board member Duane Weible said.

“I think it would be a tough sell,” he said.

Building levy requests tend to be better received, Peck said. Such a levy could free up general fund money used for building upkeep and projects, he said. Other options include tapping into savings accounts and pursuing grants.

Increased enrollment also would help raise funding levels. This year’s senior class is the smallest at the schools, Peck said.

“I do think we’re going to start to turn the corner,” he said, adding it would be good for the district to look at long-term planning for enrollment and financial trends.

“I do think we need to think more than just a year at a time,” he said Tuesday.

“Sometimes the quick fix isn’t the best longterm solution,” he added.

Board members expect to further discuss options and potentially make cuts during their Tuesday meeting at 7 p.m. in the school’s library, board chairman Shane Reum said. Employees need to know as soon as possible whether they have a job or not so they have the best chance to find other jobs, he said.