(Willow Springs, MO)The Willow Springs School District is facing significant financial challenges and will begin taking steps to reduce spending, including staff reductions, according to a letter released Tuesday by Superintendent Dr. Marty Spence and the Willow Springs Board of Education.
In a candid message to the community, Dr. Spence acknowledged a decline in student enrollment, which has directly impacted state and local funding. He also took responsibility for inaccurate financial forecasting and communication with the Board of Education.
“As superintendent of this district, it is my responsibility to manage the budget and communicate that data,” Spence said. “I have fallen short in this area.”
The district, which has heavily invested in staff and educational programs in recent years, now finds itself with expenses that exceed its current revenue. To address the shortfall, several positions will be eliminated for the 2025–2026 school year—a move Spence called “difficult,” but necessary to bring the budget back into balance.
The Board of Education also issued a statement, confirming that they were not previously aware of the full extent of the financial situation. In response, the district has brought in an outside consultant to conduct a full accounting review.
“The education of our students will remain our primary focus,” the board stated.
Despite the challenges ahead, both district leadership and the board emphasized their commitment to transparency and student success as they work to stabilize the district’s finances.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as the district moves forward with adjustments aimed at protecting the long-term health of Willow Springs schools.
Full Letter from Superintendent Dr. Marty Spence:
District Budget Message
Willow Springs School District
August 5, 2025
Dear Willow Springs Community,
As a school district deeply rooted in this community, I want to share an important update about the financial challenges we’re facing and the steps we’re taking together to ensure a strong and stable future for our students.
Like many districts across the state, we are experiencing a decline in enrollment, which directly impacts our revenue. Unfortunately, our current funding levels are no longer enough to support the expenses we’ve carried in recent years. Additionally, as superintendent, I’ve made errors in financial forecasting and communication with the Board of Education. The Board can only act on data I provide and my data was faulty. As superintendent of this district it is my responsibility to manage the budget and communicate that data. I have fallen short in this area. The Board of Education and I are committed to making thoughtful, responsible decisions that prioritize student success while honoring the trust you’ve placed in us.
Over the past several years, we’ve invested heavily in our staff and programs. However, our projected costs have grown beyond what we can sustain. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision to reduce several positions for the 2025–2026 school year. This is the first of several steps we’ll take to bring our budget back into balance, always with a focus on minimizing the impact on students and classrooms.
We understand the weight of these decisions, and we don’t make them lightly. Our commitment is to keep you informed every step of the way. Together, with transparency and care, we will move forward and ensure the long term health of our schools.
Thank you for your continued support, your partnership, and your belief in the importance of public education here in Willow Springs.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marty Spence
Superintendent
Statement from the Willow Springs Board of Education:
The Willow Springs Board of Education has become aware that the financial outlook of the district is more critical than previously indicated. The district is currently working with an outside consultant to ascertain an accurate accounting of district finances. As we navigate these challenges, the education of our students will remain our primary focus.
