Bellevue School District Board approves $7.29M budget extension for 2024-2025

The Bellevue School District held a Regular Board Meeting on June 26, 2025, primarily focused on the approval of a resolution for a general fund budget extension. The meeting commenced with a presentation by Jason Pollock, the Executive Director of Business Services, and Megan Hayden, the Director of Budgeting, who provided an overview of the budget extension process and its necessity.

Pollock explained that the district's original budget, approved in August 2024 at $425 million, now requires an increase to approximately $432 million due to unforeseen expenditures and lower-than-expected revenues. The budget extension aims to address a projected shortfall of $7.29 million, which is attributed to rising costs and a decrease in anticipated revenue, leading to a negative ending fund balance of $5.9 million.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing trend of expenditures exceeding revenues for the fourth consecutive year, raising concerns among board members about the sustainability of the district's financial practices. Pollock noted that the district has been drawing from its savings to balance the budget in previous years, which is not a viable long-term solution.

The board was informed that the extension would require filing with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and that entering into binding conditions may be necessary due to the negative fund balance. This process involves formal agreements and regular meetings with OSPI to address the financial challenges.

Following the presentation, Director Block moved to introduce the resolution for the budget extension, which was met with a discussion among board members regarding the implications of continued budget deficits and the need for more accurate financial projections in the future.

The meeting concluded with a call for questions and further discussion on the resolution, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the district's financial management. The board's decision on the budget extension will be crucial in determining the district's financial stability moving forward.