Kennewick reports $62 million year‑end fund balance, outlines enrollment and budget outlook

The Kennewick School District presented its fiscal year 2024–25 closeout, reporting a year‑end general fund balance of approximately $62,000,000. District staff credited underspending and stronger‑than‑expected revenue in transportation, levy refunds and MSOC (materials, supplies, and operating costs) for the surplus.

Staff reviewed enrollment numbers pulled Nov. 1 (a snapshot), noting the district was down roughly 11 basic‑education students to budget but had increases in running start and TC (pass‑through) programs. The presentation broke out cohort changes, transfers to neighboring districts (Richland, Pasco) and out‑of‑state moves, and remarked that Tri‑Tech enrollment can affect junior/senior counts. Staff cautioned that the Nov. 1 snapshot fluctuates and OSPI adjustments occur later in the year.

The presenter outlined MSOC results (non‑personnel costs slightly lower than budgeted), wage and benefit movements (IPV adjustments and state changes), and preliminary assessed valuation (AV) projections used for levy planning. Staff estimated the district’s AV growth assumptions and said levy modeling used conservative AV numbers. For the coming cycle staff will finalize enrollment projections in January and staffing plans in March/April; the district expects bargaining with KEA (teachers) and coaching contract negotiations in early spring.

Board members noted the district’s relative fiscal strength compared with peers and discussed maintaining stability if levies do not pass. Staff flagged monitoring of investment interest, property‑tax refunds and enrollment as ongoing priorities.