Tacoma School District projects smaller deficit but warns of continued cuts as McKinney‑Vento transportation funding is lost

Superintendent Dr. Garcia told the Tacoma School District Board of Directors that the district’s projected fund deficit has narrowed but significant financial pressure remains and further reductions are likely.

The superintendent said the district’s projection for May moved a negative fund balance of about $3.5 million to "1 and a half million dollars or $1,600,000," and officials are “feverishly working to balance our budget and making some great progress.” The board was told the district is monitoring daily uncertainties and cannot guarantee the recovery through the close of the fiscal year.

The nut graf: The district is preparing for a public budget hearing and planned adoption on July 10 while reconciling large, state-level changes that include the removal of a transportation proviso that previously allowed school districts to bill for McKinney‑Vento student transport. District leaders say that change creates an unfunded mandate that could cost Tacoma School District between $750,000 and $1 million in a given year and…