The EEA Budget Committee met on April 28 at Hamilton Elementary to review current expenditures and develop a draft budget for the 2026–2027 school year. This work comes at a particularly challenging time, as the association is preparing for a projected loss of approximately 31 members due to reductions in force (RIFs), which will significantly impact overall revenue.

In response, the committee has taken a careful and conservative approach to budgeting. The draft budget reflects a number of cost-saving measures designed to maintain core union functions while adjusting to reduced membership. These include reductions in officer compensation and mileage, scaling back member training allocations, and eliminating or reducing several discretionary spending areas.

Additionally, the committee identified opportunities to shift certain expenses away from the general fund by utilizing grant funding and alternative sources. Items such as scholarships, new teacher orientation supplies, and member engagement events may be supported through OEA Local Capacity or Local Development Grants, donations, or other external funding. Some expenses—such as apparel and charitable contributions—have been paused or removed from the draft budget for the upcoming year.

The committee also discussed maintaining essential operations, including arbitration reserves, communication costs, and officer training, while exploring ways to improve efficiency and reduce overhead where possible.

👉 The draft 2026–2027 EEA budget will be presented to the Advisory Committee on May 11. All members who are interested in reviewing the proposed budget and providing feedback are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Your input is especially important this year as we navigate financial adjustments while continuing to support members and uphold the work of the association.

Please reach out to an EEA officer if you have any questions in advance of the meeting.