Superintendent Kelly Aramaki told the Bellevue School Board on April 17 that several state bills moving through the Legislature could provide additional recurring revenue to the district but that funding levels are lower than earlier proposals.

Aramaki said Senate Bill 5263 (special education) has passed both houses and likely will be reconciled before going to the governor; the district had hoped for $5 million but current numbers being discussed would provide about $1.3 million annually to the Bellevue School District. For materials, supplies and operating costs, she said Senate Bill 5192 appears likely to deliver roughly $500,000 annually to the district, below the $2.5 million the district had initially sought.

Aramaki highlighted Senate Bill 5412, which would allow a district in "binding conditions" (state oversight triggered by fiscal distress) to sell property and place the proceeds into the general fund to restore solvency. The superintendent said she and staff had proposed amendment language that was accepted and that the district has property it already planned to sell; if Bellevue enters binding conditions this summer, the bill could allow the district to use those sale proceeds in the general fund.

A separate bill on local levy assistance and LEA (local effort assistance), which Aramaki said she testified on, could provide up to $10 million a year to the district if passed, she said. All of the bills are still awaiting final reconciliation and the governor's action, she added.

Board members asked clarifying questions about likely amounts and next steps. Aramaki cautioned that while some funding looks likely, the state has not fully resolved overall education funding and the final numbers could change during reconciliation and the governor's review.

The superintendent concluded by urging continued monitoring and said staff will return with updates as the bills are finalized.