Assistant Superintendent for Finance Jake Cooper briefed the Yakima School District board on May 20 about the district's fiscal status and potential federal funding headwinds.

Lede: Cooper said cash flow is "above projection" and that internal budget estimates have tracked closely to actuals, but he warned that proposed federal budget changes could cut roughly $3 million in federal funding (Title III and migrant programs were mentioned) and that the district's $2 million hedge set aside for federal decline could be insufficient.

Nut graf: The district reported improved predictability in payroll and cash flow compared with recent years, attributed to better internal controls and closer projection accuracy. However, Cooper flagged potential federal grant reductions and noted one-time liquidity borrowing earlier in the fiscal year that will be repaid in December.

Major points
- Federal risk: Cooper said he heard proposals that eliminate Title III and migrant funding in a federal proposal, totaling roughly $3,000,000 of potential revenue reduction; OSPI had advised districts to budget 10–15% down on federal allocations as a precaution.
- Cash flow and liquidity: Cash balances are above projection; Cooper noted a $4.5 million short-term borrowing (liquidity note) is part of current cash and will be paid from general fund later in the year.
- Special education and revenue swings: Cooper said special-education revenue improved by $2–2.5 million because of better IEP compliance and applying for safety-net reimbursements. He described the district's effort to seek both reductions and revenue enhancements.
- Highly capable funding: Cooper corrected an earlier figure during his remarks: highly capable funding is about $477,000 annually, which funds roughly three teachers.

Board reaction: Board members asked no substantive follow-up during the monthly update; Cooper reiterated the need to monitor federal grant notices and district cash assumptions.

Ending: Cooper said staff will continue detailed line-item budgeting for the coming school-year budget and will present required budget files to the state, while monitoring federal and state developments that might affect the district’s final fiscal position.