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Board hears budget parameters; staff cites increase in state special education aid
Summary
Administration told the board the district's budget parameters remain largely unchanged but reflect increased state special education reimbursement; the board approved the parameters for 2025-26 planning.
The Bellevue Board of Education approved the administration's proposed budget parameters for the 2025-26 planning cycle after a staff presentation describing revenue changes.
Why it matters: Budget parameters provide the framework staff use when preparing the district budget and levy recommendations. The administration said recent state changes to special education reimbursement materially affect revenue assumptions.
What staff presented
A staff presenter identified the parameters as similar to last year's and highlighted a change in state special education reimbursement. The presenter said the state reimbursement for special education rose from earlier levels (previously around 40-44%) to about 80% following recent legislation, and that shift produced roughly $13 million in the first year and is expected to yield about $14 million in the second year. Staff also noted the district continues to carry a local share of special education costs and receives additional federal and Medicaid/Medicare-related reimbursements that partially offset costs.
Board action and discussion
A board member moved to approve the proposed parameters for 2025-26; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call affirmation by members present. Board members asked clarifying questions about who bears the remaining 20% of special education costs and whether the district's special-education population affects local burden. Staff confirmed the remaining portion comes from local funds and some federal sources but said those federal funds do not fill the entire local share.
Next steps
District business services staff will incorporate the approved parameters into the 2025-26 budget draft and present updates to the board as the budget development process continues.
