[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6140016,"mediaKeyId","5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9","parentId",5579849,"title","Pasco School Board adopts 2025-26 budget, approves spending limits for five funds","audioSeconds",1084,"startMs",800000,"endMs",1884000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9&start=800&end=1884","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9/thumbnail_800000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6140016/Washington/Pasco-School-Board-adopts-2025-26-budget-approves-spending-limits-for-five-funds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140016-5a9c245e8566c082a98c50d8f8611722/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579487&Signature=ex6217XaX1rnEDDbQ~AwebA5fVUcNTCG453BaUgUF8yH8mbJW4CBHFz8YWJzmTRnaSyPe4kETyrTpMrRKNNpCtsNBRVZMdtHutog~SYdP1cGXVn14Va-T81dHQFm6Avjke8I2Yoos97XOCDVCyiXOKvUjdqmkYcKGHS956GwpuGle6yRK0EdQkey21A4IVspJwDSl0v3z77SP3FPzbTCiENsYGrG7blMfCk6pn9XXSxM2gB0HkQEN12Zh7Klf4WNY7XZULegN1KNP0mfJbdIRNjY1wS-6YlRsokVizaPvd9kngkvvB2nk9bfUi3XyTBbWk3AcL2~zPRx-753w5~avw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pasco School District, WA","date","2025-08-13T15:58:26Z","article","The Pasco School District Board of Directors unanimously approved Resolution 1060 on the proposed 2025-26 budget after a public hearing and discussion at its regular meeting.

At the hearing, a district staff presenter summarized the five fund spending plan the board was asked to adopt and noted the budget assumes flat enrollment and a set of staffing reductions over the next three years.

The board will set maximum expenditure limits for the district's five designated funds: the general fund, capital projects fund, debt service fund, associated student body (ASB) fund and the transportation vehicle fund. The district's presenter said the general fund begins the year with an estimated $16,500,000 and is projected to end the 2025-26 year at about $12,500,000, reflecting a drawdown tied to efficiency changes and planned spending. The capital projects fund was presented with a beginning balance of about $27,000,000 and an expected 2025-26 year-end balance near $11,700,000; the debt service fund would begin near $10,900,000 and end the year around $13,100,000. The ASB fund was projected to grow from about $1,100,000 to roughly $1,300,000, and the transportation vehicle fund was shown starting at about $3,900,000 and ending the year just under $2,000,000 as buses are purchased and depreciation is realized.

The presenter explained the district's Materials, Supplies and Operating Costs (MSOC) reporting: the budget lists roughly $30,700,000 in MSOC expenditures against an expected state apportionment of about $26,500,000, leaving an approximate $3.6 million difference to be covered by other district resources.

The budget's enrollment assumption cited by staff was 17,415 students (the presenter also referenced figures rounded to 17,400 at points in the presentation). Staff outlined a multi-year forecast that assumes 3% annual increases to revenues and expenditures, and planned staffing reductions of roughly $5,000,000 in 2026-27 and $3,000,000 in 2027-28, followed by an additional staffing reduction in 2028-29 (amount not specified in the presentation).

During the public hearing, commenters raised concerns about the enrollment projections and per-student costs. Commenter Bear Turner asked the district to publish the underlying enrollment trend data and questioned the assumption that enrollment would stabilize at 17,400 students after a recent larger drop; Turner also said the per-student cost rose about 14% over two years while the budget forecasts 3% annual increases. Guy Smirthwaite, a teacher and Pasco Association of Educators bargaining representative, urged the board to prioritize classroom staffing and to scrutinize administrative and district-level spending as the district considers tighter budgets and a levy renewal in February.

After public comment, a board member moved and a colleague seconded the motion to approve Resolution 1060, which \"establishes maximum expenditure limits in each of Pasco School District's funds for the 2025-26 school year.\" A roll-call vote was taken; the motion passed unanimously.

Board President Amanda Brown and Superintendent Whitney were present for the hearing. The district presenter recommended adopting the resolution so the district remains on schedule to implement the budget and continue required financial reporting. The presenter also warned that the district is watching federal funding carefully and that some federal dollars had been temporarily uncertain over the summer.

The board closed the public hearing after the unanimous vote and directed staff to continue monitoring enrollment, federal funding, and the multi-year staffing plan as the year progresses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","August 12, 2025 | Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Pasco School District Board of Directors unanimously approved Resolution 1060 on the proposed 2025-26 budget after a public hearing and discussion at its regular meeting.","taxTitle","Pasco School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",14815,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6139995,"Pasco board elects Director Steve Norberg as legislative representative",47,1961000,2008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9&start=1961&end=2008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9/thumbnail_1961000.jpg","/articles/6139995/Washington/Pasco-board-elects-Director-Steve-Norberg-as-legislative-representative","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139995-1976af08a52d316bd2f931e49daff88d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579487&Signature=FAVHm716FjXtmZs8lqkEXX0hmOXszaAetkFmhXsAiw87r34dFX3zS~XA90D9S93xI1JePn65SC~lXYVe-S5h8UD~Nj3euUG~iX7NxxrZ~Hb-IuL-Jfcbd8novwN7VyRjCvYRQ30awudzCmmmL8t81aabRVxYDYnnW8LGt43MaJrk7evt06v41Wwc8~99N7bS537NFkdFghO-5O4YK8fp5~x4gIIswgxlIy7g7qQGFtJyz2S89cc2HlMQHOEHcxNpGv5C-Ck5q1KH~wN56Th81XboLbiwj29dJSlN8c5knLZGHKnoYk6klviFZYMJCx5EijN6Av4BecLYhSrxmYiunQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pasco School District Board of Directors nominated and unanimously elected Director Steve Norberg to serve as the board's legislative representative for a two-year term starting July 1 and running through June 30 of the end year indicated.

Board members nominated Norberg, a motion was seconded and a roll-call vote approved the nomination unanimously. Board members did not extend debate beyond the nomination and the vote. The position was previously held by Director Phillips and will continue per the two-year term timeline described in board comments.

Board officers indicated the position takes on advocacy responsibilities during the legislative cycle and the board will rely on the representative to coordinate legislative communication and priorities for the district.","The Pasco School District Board nominated and unanimously approved Director Steve Norberg to serve a two-year term as the board's legislative representative, replacing Director Phillips.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6140000,"Pasco honors state-recognized schools; district recognizes state migrant graduation specialist",1926,165000,2091000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9&start=165&end=2091","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9/thumbnail_165000.jpg","/articles/6140000/Washington/Pasco-honors-state-recognized-schools-district-recognizes-state-migrant-graduation-specialist","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140000-3f966232e9695bb94a00b0ef93ce33ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579487&Signature=kA11gdJk2w0Tg8teEvVG3SlOaQvX1h-7sJCQn~psYAuKMoSaLcQHaWi485Jh-YS7z2qLbrVu5e25ISiIJEs2vw6P51nCAwwQ40nN-NZrNcGXxbOen-n5FLMj6T6Z3jFS146h8q8OksryoFT6Mtc7tZVUek-bZu8b3hMNlEgfxQaLXC2lIYC~tcIG5io0q2iyFpKgteDRyEBETMDRWJ8aUmlI25zhTz7Ys5RpisMS0X615679VDS8vvL76jtHQUo2CFPFFDcXti305ef2wBzNMoIXP3Gxhp0UxwdUK8ihYrUGMW2yZE-CbTWNTZuGSCSyMdlTNNp-YDjusInDQ9rnUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pasco School District formally recognized Dr. Nayeli Aranda Hernandez, the district's migrant program graduation specialist, after the Washington State Migrant Education Program named her the 2024-25 Washington State Migrant Graduation Specialist of the Year.

Later in the meeting Assistant Superintendent Goval presented awards for four schools the state recognized for student growth and closing gaps during the 2023-24 school year. The Washington School Recognition Program (collaborative work of the State Board of Education, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee) uses a compilation of multiple data points over multiple years to identify schools that demonstrate achievement, growth or progress closing gaps.

Goval said Markham (Edwin Markham) Elementary was recognized for growth among low-income students, with composite decile scores substantially above the state threshold for similar schools and with growth indicators of 10 out of 10 in some foundational categories. Franklin STEM Elementary was cited for closing gaps among English-language learners and showed notable three-year gains. 3 Rivers Elementary also showed large gains for English-language learners, and McLaughlin Middle School was recognized for growth in one or more racial or ethnic student groups, including top decile results in ELA for specified subgroups.

Goval credited consistent district practices across recognized schools: rigorous core curriculum with aligned instructional materials, high expectations paired with targeted interventions, effective use of professional learning communities and schoolwide multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and intentional work around student belonging and student voice. Board members thanked school staff for the work and praised the programs many principals described as a combination of instructional clarity, progress monitoring and tiered supports.

Separately, staff said Dr. Aranda Hernandez's plaque will be displayed on the district's Wall of Distinction and she received a certificate for personal retention.","The board recognized Dr. Nayeli Aranda Hernandez for a statewide migrant education award and Assistant Superintendent Goval highlighted four Pasco schools recognized by Washington's School Recognition Program for growth and closing achievement gaps.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6140004,"Pasco launches renewed community engagement push: PEAK, HOPE, Ambassador programs and ParentSquare expansion",785,2956000,3741000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9&start=2956&end=3741","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9/thumbnail_2956000.jpg","/articles/6140004/Washington/Pasco-launches-renewed-community-engagement-push-PEAK-HOPE-Ambassador-programs-and-ParentSquare-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140004-a760f518d1b62e409156e0ded529e76b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579487&Signature=W6ibacKetLhbYouTBAH10wDiI1KSVVXdh4mMJYP4qs6txu1ebtv~Ir9uYdqP0cMQZF5dSp2EHsiXYd92Etvc02a0niuXVTeTMlPmzijOulKCU9fKx9Iq2JFRyKEoYXwtuUH5JBhWkfnNoJxxmbQF4A-t8-ukjhp63sGvVAgowflRV31wkn4~dGW~TL4ThPRIhOKqImcvmBSDZfx~6x3VII-5ZJ9TLLlbNKv4b3g0jHr2Wi7CtsV3bvS3UaLs4gR2ppUiDCG6UGc7FuFBWF2N~ak6qdcwJY7jKorTUrYEbJGLmV60UhY4sBcneBuBc8R1i8abjAyLz9~4AytZOLflNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Anna Tinsmeyer, Pasco School District's director of public affairs, briefed the board on four community engagement initiatives the district is promoting: PEAK business partnerships, the revived HOPE nonprofit/faith-based partnership program, the Ambassador program, and ParentSquare, the district's official family communication platform.

Tinsmeyer said the PEAK program, created in Pasco in 2008 to connect businesses and community organizations with individual schools, now has 40 active partners occupying 76 partnership slots across 30 school buildings; contribution levels range from $500 for elementary schools to $700 for high schools, and 100 percent of PEAK contributions are directed to the partnered school. The district reported 14 open partnership slots and recent new partners including local businesses and health organizations; Amazon provided a $2,000 contribution to support the annual PEAK partner luncheon.

Tinsmeyer said the HOPE program (Helping Organizations Partner for Education) has been reactivated after a pandemic pause and now focuses on in-kind donations, volunteer support and program partnerships. The district hosted a HOPE partner meeting with nearly 50 attendees and asked interested organizations to begin on-boarding through a volunteer application and interest form on the district website.

The Ambassador program, now entering its fourth year, runs from November to May and is designed to give parents, community members and staff a behind-the-scenes look at district operations; the next application window opens Oct. 6 and sessions are 90 minutes at rotating school or district sites, with a graduation in May.

Tinsmeyer also reviewed ParentSquare, which the district implemented last year and said has improved contactability to 98% of families from about 75% on the prior system. Features the district highlighted include two-way translation for messages, teacher-to-family direct messaging, electronic forms and permission slips, appointment sign-ups for conferences and stored electronic report cards. The district plans targeted trainings for new staff at new schools and ongoing teacher training to increase consistent use.

Board members praised the programs for increasing family and community engagement and urged community members to sign up for ParentSquare's community group to receive district communications. Tinsmeyer said a community contact form and web pages provide details and contacts for each program.","Director of Public Affairs Anna Tinsmeyer presented a multi-part community engagement update. The district reported growth in its PEAK business partnership program, revival of the HOPE nonprofit/faith-based partnership, an ongoing Ambassador program for community members, and broad adoption of ParentSquare, which the district says now reaches 98%",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6140009,"Pasco board debates superintendent evaluation targets; members seek measurable goals before final approval",2857,4096000,6953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9&start=4096&end=6953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5579849-b93c7ed4aee05e1cf18a6dfed5184af9/thumbnail_4096000.jpg","/articles/6140009/Washington/Pasco-board-debates-superintendent-evaluation-targets-members-seek-measurable-goals-before-final-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6140009-733382d582edc0e34cc65682880e34c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579487&Signature=aouhsqUNOQR8qS1sER6aogHASILsLcqBzxfEhY7VBP0Hm4TuQNEAi-hxbop0j341xJq-Z177vbZyPSOPp8s9X5~jjvKFd-7NJhmaNGQrLDI3j6gIHdRQbtbbrLBa~2gAsLn0r1RfWwEVZNgSlj7sJbS8KjyGnMsfSEjGSrj9~qUiOSAjd5MeGawAXNwIwdacTHEQ3feOGrm2GbE0TSXd~s3GcM~8m7VLQeBufuWCfV~xJrqvnqfFaR9NvjzZ5fgv2XX-FpjzIszmyyl3VQpcEppwOqXBEw-rmUfWYd8GZxoS6-MXAntXSlbzCQAtYJGpiP7hVs0eihfKVoQeh~9MPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pasco School District Board of Directors spent a large portion of its meeting debating how to translate the board's chosen evaluation targets into measurable goals under Policy 16-30, the district policy that requires annual objectives for superintendent evaluation.

Superintendent Whitney and board members discussed a set of targets the board selected earlier in the year and affirmed the requirement in policy 16-30 that the board identify annual objectives before the start of the evaluation cycle. Whitney told the board the only items that legally require board approval at the start of the year are the targets themselves; staff recommended the board approve the targets on the first day of school so the district stays in compliance with the superintendent's contract and the policy. Whitney said data elements that would populate progress monitoring reports can still be refined following approval of targets.

Several board members, led by Director Phillips, said the targets lack measurable, timebound goals and pressed for numeric, stepwise objectives the board and public can use to assess progress. Phillips said she expected concrete targets tied to the district's strategic priorities and requested clearer interim \"stepping-stone\" goals that would show progress toward aspirational outcomes such as the district's 100% third-grade reading objective.

Board members and student representatives echoed the call for measurable goals. Director Simmons and others asked that the outside consultant who helped develop the evaluation framework, Dr. Thomas Alsbury, be brought back to guide the board on how to convert targets into measurable objectives. Superintendent Whitney said she would not directly contact the consultant about her own evaluation (to avoid conflicts) and proposed that board officers coordinate with Dr. Alsbury to finalize measurement approaches.

During public comment, teachers and union representatives also weighed in. Amber Haines, a second-grade teacher and elected representative of elementary educators with the Pasco Association of Educators, asked that two assessment data points (IRLA and DIBELS/DeNeille, described in testimony as optional under an assessment waiver) be removed from any evaluation requirement because teachers are not contractually required to administer or report those specific assessments. A public commenter, Bear Turner, criticized the board's consultant and said parents lack clarity about the measures; Turner urged the board to demand clearer metrics from the consultant.

The board did not vote to change the targets at the meeting. Several members reiterated that the targets were chosen by consensus in a prior study session with Dr. Alsbury and that the board must be mindful of the superintendent's contract timeline. The group agreed that board officers would schedule a follow-up discussion with Dr. Alsbury to define measurable objectives and that targets would be formally placed on the August 26 agenda in compliance with policy and the superintendent's contract. Several board members said they expect measurable goals to be finalized and reported back through the board progress monitoring process.","Board members and community speakers pressed for specific, measurable goals tied to superintendent evaluation policy 16-30. The board plans to approve annual targets by the start of school to meet contract timelines while board officers will consult the outside consultant to define measurable objectives.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pasco School Board adopts 2025-26 budget, approves spending limits for five funds

Pasco board elects Director Steve Norberg as legislative representative

Pasco honors state-recognized schools; district recognizes state migrant graduation specialist

Pasco launches renewed community engagement push: PEAK, HOPE, Ambassador programs and ParentSquare expansion

Pasco board debates superintendent evaluation targets; members seek measurable goals before final approval