North Bend School District outlines budget amid declining enrollment challenges

The North Bend School District 13 held a budget meeting on May 13, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming school year. The meeting aimed to provide an overview of the budget process and address concerns regarding funding and enrollment trends.

A key topic of discussion was the state school funding, which is set at $11.35 billion for a two-year biennium. The funding is divided between the first and second years, with 49% allocated in the first year and 51% in the second. However, the district faces challenges in accurately predicting the funding amount, as it often falls short of covering rising costs. This year, the budget committee expressed cautious optimism that the funding figure would remain stable.

Enrollment trends are a significant concern for the district, as declining student numbers directly impact budget calculations. The district projected an enrollment of 912 students for the next school year, while the Evergreen Virtual Academy, a charter school sponsored by the district, anticipated 950 students. However, historical data suggests that these projections may be overly optimistic, as Evergreen has consistently overestimated its enrollment in recent years.

Current enrollment figures show a decline from previous projections. The district's enrollment was reported at 1,894 students, down from an earlier estimate of 2,001. Each student represents approximately $10,600 in funding, making the drop in enrollment particularly impactful on the budget. The meeting highlighted the importance of accurate enrollment projections, as each 100-student decrease translates to a loss of about $1.1 million in revenue.

The budget also accounts for increased operational costs, including utilities, insurance, and transportation, alongside a 5% salary increase for staff following recent negotiations. The district aims to maintain current staffing levels, which will be crucial for delivering educational services effectively.

In conclusion, the North Bend School District's budget meeting underscored the complexities of financial planning amid declining enrollment and rising costs. The district will continue to refine its budget based on updated enrollment data and state funding developments, with further discussions planned to address community questions and concerns. The outcome of these discussions will be vital for ensuring the district's financial stability and educational quality in the coming years.