Clover Park board adopts 2025–26 budget, board hears about federal funding uncertainty

The Clover Park School District board of directors unanimously adopted the district’s 2025–26 fiscal-year budget, the four‑year budget plan summary and four‑year enrollment projection at its July 7 regular meeting.

District staff presented the proposed budget (agenda item 25‑165), saying it was developed pursuant to RCW 28A.505.040 and reviewed by Puget Sound Educational Service District under RCW 28A.505.050. Staff noted two community budget workshops were held March 19 and May 14, and a public hearing on the proposed budget occurred immediately before the July 7 meeting. A legal notice was published June 23 and June 30, with a news release on June 27.

During questions, a director asked how potential federal funding cuts would affect the budget. Dr. Ruprecht replied: “Not having all of the facts yet from the federal government of what's going to be cut and what's not gonna be cut, we have some preliminary ideas of what it's gonna look like, but it will look like we will be absorbing from the fund balance.” When asked whether the fund balance would cover anticipated losses for the year, staff said there is “enough we anticipate there's enough money in the fund balance to cover any losses from the federal funds ... for this year,” though they cautioned the situation is still being vetted.

Board members also asked whether a new 10% tax on temporary agencies used for special education staffing had been included; staff replied that taxes are included in those contract items under review.

Director Lowery moved the budget adoption and Director Kim seconded. The board approved the budget by unanimous voice vote. The district did not provide detailed line‑item changes or an exact dollar amount for federal funding at the meeting; staff said further review will be necessary if federal support is reduced in subsequent years.