Board approves $1.028 million increase for Running Start pass‑through costs
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Summary
The Highline School District board voted 3‑0 to increase Running Start expenditures to cover higher college pass‑through charges after enrollment rose; the district will pass payments through to colleges.
The Highline School District board approved a $1,028,000 increase to Running Start expenditures to cover higher pass‑through payments to partner colleges after greater than expected Running Start enrollment this year.
Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bridal explained Running Start payments are a pass‑through expense tied to college enrollment and academic progress. “Because enrollment increased this year, so did the running start enrollment, and so the pass through amounts that we now owe to the colleges, have increased,” Bridal said.
The motion to increase the Running Start budget was moved and seconded during the meeting; a roll call recorded Director Espinosa and Director Killeen voting yes along with Vice President Titholm, and the motion passed 3 to none.
Why it matters: Running Start funds are not an operating salary line but pass‑through payments the district pays to colleges for enrolled students. The district’s budget update shows overall enrollment exceeded projections this year; the Running Start increase reflects that enrollment shift rather than a new program expansion.
Ending: The CFO said the district will include the additional Running Start amount in the 2025–26 budget materials presented at the June sessions.