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Yakima School District adopts 2025–26 appropriation levels, approves $2.98 million in special-education contracts
Summary
At its Aug. 19 meeting the Yakima School District board adopted the 2025–26 appropriation resolution required by state law and approved three contracts totaling $2,980,000 to provide speech-language and American Sign Language services to students with special needs.
The Yakima School District Board of Directors on Aug. 19 adopted Resolution 12.24.0.25 setting the district’s 2025–26 appropriation levels and approved three contract renewals totaling $2,980,000 to support speech-language and American Sign Language services for students with special needs.
Assistant Superintendent and finance director Jake Cooper presented the final appropriation resolution and the accompanying state budget documents (Form F‑195 and Form F‑203), noting the district’s July cash balance was just under $24 million and that cash includes a $4.5 million tax‑anticipation note that will be expended in December. “Cash is king,” Cooper said during the financial presentation.
Superintendent Andi (Anderson) Green explained the three contract renewals: Next Level Speech for $1,250,000 to provide speech‑language pathology services and fill positions the district cannot staff internally; Soliant Health for $980,000 for classified American Sign Language (ASL) staffing support and additional speech‑language services; and ASL Professionals for $750,000 for ASL staffing. Green said multiple vendors are required because no single provider can supply the full range of services the special‑education program needs.
Director Walker moved to adopt Resolution 12.24.0.25; the motion was seconded and approved in a roll‑call vote with Directors Walker, Navarro Junior and Rice and Vice President Villanueva voting aye (motion passed 4–0). The three contract renewals were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote, each passing 4–0.
Cooper told the board enrollment was roughly 116 students below projection but that enrollment typically rises over the summer and the district expects to be near projection when school starts. He said month‑to‑month expenditures and payroll have been stable, and the budget packet attached Form F‑195 and F‑203 for board review.
The board also approved the consent agenda (minutes, warrants, personnel actions, out‑of‑state endorsements and July budget status reports) and a 2025–26 board meeting calendar during the same meeting.
The board did not receive any additional public comment on the budget between the public hearing and the adoption meeting, and Cooper stated he had received no new public comments on the budget in his office or through other channels. The board concluded the business item and Green said the finance office will continue to provide monthly updates as the fiscal year progresses.
