The David Douglas School Board approved a budget for the coming school year during its June 12 meeting while district leaders and the union urged continued advocacy for increased state investment in public education.

Nut graf: Board members and district leaders said the district has a balanced budget but remains concerned that state funding levels will force staff reductions and program cuts. Union leaders said current state funding is inadequate and encouraged continued pressure on state lawmakers.

Superintendent Ken Richardson thanked the budget committee and the board for approving a balanced budget while also acknowledging the limits of the funding. "We have [funding], but is it enough?" Richardson said, noting staff reductions and reductions-in-force notices affecting licensed, classified and administrative staff. DDA President Stephanie Merry said the union remains disappointed with state funding levels and noted staff reductions will have negative impacts in 2025''26.

Richardson provided a legislative update summarizing recent Ways and Means activity. He told the board that although some items (for example, measures supporting school lunch and high-school success programs) fared better in committee, other items including Outdoor School and several student-success grants faced cuts. He said the state had used a portion of reserves to soften cuts to some programs but warned that further uncertainty remains as the legislative process continues.

Board members and staff discussed the district's financial planning and next steps for advocacy at the state level; the superintendent said staff would continue to press legislators and partners to protect education funding.

Ending: Board members agreed to continue district advocacy and to update the community as the legislative process develops.