Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the District Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pullman board hears finance report showing a roughly $1.7 million operating shortfall; staff outline steps to restore fund balance
Summary
The district reported 2023–24 revenues near $41 million and expenditures just under $43 million, leaving an approximate $1.7 million gap. Finance staff said they will pursue budget-saving strategies to reach a 7.5% ending fund balance and avoid binding conditions.
The Pullman School District finance director presented year-end figures showing revenues of roughly $41 million and expenditures of almost $43 million, producing an operating shortfall the district estimated around $1.7 million for 2023–24.
Finance Director Diane told the board the district finished the fiscal year with a fund-balance pattern that peaked at 9.87% in August and dropped to 6.02% by September. Under current budget assumptions, staff said some months project ending balances at 4–5%, and the goal is to restore a board-policy target of 7.5%.
Diane outlined revenue drivers and variances: state general apportionment fell by about $776,000 due to enrollment decreases and LEA shifts, ESSER federal funds that previously supported the budget are no longer available, and assessed valuation changes are expected to affect next-year receipts. She also described where most district expenditures flow: certified salaries, payroll benefits, classified salaries and purchase services.
The board discussed localized solutions and short-term measures. Presenters said they are emphasizing only essential building-level purchases and exploring utility and staffing strategies. A board member raised whether previously cut building budgets could be reinstated now that enrollment increased slightly; finance staff replied the district still faces a structural annual deficit and must remain cautious to avoid entering binding budget conditions.
Directors also noted non-budget supports available to schools: some PTOs provide mini-grants for classroom needs and can help with teacher requests. The finance director said two buses were purchased this past year and identified restricted carryover funds and unassigned fund-balance amounts in the district's accounts.
No formal action was taken; the report will inform the district's 2024–25 budget planning and additional communication to the public about austerity measures and priorities.
