Kent School District previews 2025-26 budget, warns multi‑year deficits could require cuts

Kent School District finance staff presented the proposed 2025‑26 general fund budget at a public meeting on June 11, telling the Board the district expects a $14.9 million deficit in the coming year and that deficits grow in subsequent years unless the district takes balancing actions.

The presentation was led by Earl Perringer, Executive Director of Finance, with Lisa Tyler, Director of Budget. Perringer said the district is projecting $555 million in revenue and $570 million in expenditures for 2025‑26, producing the $14.9 million gap. “Our estimated ending fund balance is … 7.3%,” Perringer said, adding that the district’s policy requires a 5% minimum reserve.

The nut graf: The district faces a structural gap because projected expenditures are rising faster than revenues and because substantial parts of district costs—special education, MSOC (materials, supplies, operating costs), and employee…