A second work session in two weeks continued Nettle Creek Schools board’s discussions around anticipated budget cuts for the 2026-27 school year. An estimated $300,000 must be saved in its operations fund.
Jason Bulmer, director of operations, provided details on trimming transportation costs, including vehicle usage and busing routes, transportation fees for non-athletic activities, and the use of contracted fuel. The board reviewed custodial staffing costs and potential savings on natural gas and energy usage.
Director of Technology Braden Albert detailed this year’s $80,000 software budget was a result of previous reductions, saving $11,600. President Shaun Lieberman and board member Sandi Schraub thanked Albert for his diligent leadership.
They revisited the education fund, studying professional development, class size and staffing. Currently teachers and administration experience weekly professional development from two master teachers. Superintendent Emily Schaeffer said she would hate to remove this service as it directly impacts student outcomes, retention and attraction, and teacher quality. Lieberman said he prefers quantitative results rather than qualitative; he wants to ensure a direct return on the investment.
Early analysis estimated middle and high school class size around 25-29 students. Adjustments are a bit harder given elective courses. They don’t want to bar students from the courses outside of their required classes. New diploma requirements could factor into more class flexibility.
Board discussion closed with administration review. Currently two administrators each lead both the elementary and junior-senior high school. They also have two administrators at the district level. As a reminder of a guaranteed saving, Schaeffer recommended not increasing her salary for a second year.
In public comments, first grade teacher Lisa Bane said it’s unfair that the board is forced to make cuts because of legislators “50 miles outside of the classroom.” She advocated that an increase in class size would result in lower-quality instruction and said that the students should come first.
High school history teacher Glen Meek said that this is something they all must own, hoping cuts are as level and equitable as possible. No matter what, he said, changes can’t destroy the culture of their schools.
Second-year sixth grade math teacher Abbey Klein fears changing class sections will make it hard for teachers to feel comfortable with their skills. She also suggested possibly having one master teacher for both buildings.
Fifth grade teacher Bruce Swallow praised the professional development program, but sees it as a luxury that they could remove if it meant keeping classes small and teachers around longer.
Elementary school principal Belinda Locke reiterated the need to know staffing changes sooner than later, which Schaeffer supported.
Board member Cody Sankey said he does not take this task lightly and only wants the school to be the absolute best in the community. Fellow member Ruth LaMar showed love to the teachers in attendance. She said it’s incredible what kids experience and it’s all because of them.
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
A version of this article appeared in the May 13 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.