Bellevue School District projects 2025–26 budget shortfall; foundation and donors pledge targeted funding

The Bellevue School District presented a proposed 2025–26 budget showing a negative beginning fund balance and an operating plan that relies on spending reductions, anticipated levy increases and a planned one‑time property sale to restore reserves.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Aramaki told the board that “as of July 10, we have entered binding conditions with OSPI,” meaning the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will provide oversight, technical support and permit certain interfund loans while the district executes an accelerated recovery plan.

The budget presentation laid out the district—s fiscal position: operating costs have exceeded revenue for several years, reserves were drawn down and the district expects to end 2024–25 with a negative fund balance unless corrective actions hold. The proposal for 2025–26 shows revenue greater than expenditures for the year but still a projected negative ending fund balance (about $3.0 million in the presentation). The board was told additional structural spending cuts will be required in future years unless state funding or local levy support increases materially.

Why it matters: the general fund supports day‑to‑day instruction, staff compensation and operations. District leaders said roughly two‑thirds of the district—s general fund revenues come from the…