School district leaders want earlier state data to avoid unexpected budget cuts

Oregon school district leaders, including Salem-Keizer, say the state often causes financial stress by not communicating expected changes that can affect district budgets by millions.

Those 11 leaders, including Salem-Keizer Superintendent Andrea Castañeda, want information sooner from the Oregon Department of Education on expected student enrollment and demographics so they can more effectively build budgets and avoid last-minute layoffs, furlough days or unexpected dips into savings.

They made the request in a letter sentThursday,…