Washoe County School District reviews 2025-26 budget amid flat funding challenges

The Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board of Trustees convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary issues impacting the district's fiscal future. A significant focus of the meeting was the presentation of the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which revealed a concerning preliminary deficit of $9.7 million.

Chief Financial Officer Mark Mathers and Budget Director Jeff Bozzo provided an overview of the state budget, highlighting a flat funding scenario for K-12 education. The governor's amended budget indicates minimal increases in per pupil funding, with WCSD set to receive the same amount per student as the previous year—$9,705—despite rising costs associated with inflation and employee compensation. This stagnation poses challenges for the district in meeting its financial obligations, including salary increases and operational costs.

The meeting also addressed projected enrollment declines, with estimates suggesting a loss of over 1,000 students, translating to a revenue shortfall of approximately $10 million. This decline is attributed to factors such as falling birth rates and the high cost of living, which have led families to relocate. While the district may reduce staffing in response to lower enrollment, the financial gap remains significant.

Trustees expressed concerns regarding the volatility of at-risk funding, which has fluctuated dramatically in recent years. The lack of transparency in how these funds are allocated complicates budget planning and threatens the consistency of educational services for vulnerable student populations.

The board emphasized the importance of advocating for more stable funding mechanisms and expressed frustration over the limited opportunity for school districts to provide input during the state budget formulation process. As the district prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, it will need to explore solutions to address the projected deficit while ensuring that educational quality is maintained.

Looking ahead, the WCSD Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the budget situation closely, with future presentations expected to outline strategies for balancing the budget and addressing the financial challenges ahead.