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Pullman School Board approves 2024–25 budget amid funding shortfall warnings
Summary
The Pullman School District board unanimously approved the 2024–25 budget, while finance staff warned insurance and utilities expenses exceed state funding by roughly $1.4 million and urged legislative advocacy to close the gap.
The Pullman School District board on July 24 approved the district’s 2024–25 fiscal-year budgets, voting to adopt a general fund budget of $44,767,954 alongside capital, debt-service and auxiliary budgets.
Finance director Diane Todd presented the budget and told the board the district pays roughly $2.2–$2.4 million for insurance and utilities while receiving about $1.0 million in state funding for those items, creating an approximate funding shortfall of $1.4 million that she said the district cannot sustainably absorb without state action.
The board recessed into a public hearing on the budget and invited comment; after three calls for speakers there were no public testimony items during the hearing. Following Diane Todd’s presentation, a board member moved to approve the 2024–25 fiscal budgets by resolution 24-25-01; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with the three board members present.
Board discussion acknowledged the district is comparatively better positioned than many peers but emphasized the need for community engagement and legislative advocacy. Superintendent Dr. Maxwell said he has reached out to county superintendents and boards about hosting joint advocacy sessions; he reported roughly half of districts contacted signaled interest.
What’s next: The budget was adopted for implementation for the 2024–25 school year. Board members said they expect to pursue outreach to state legislators and partner districts to press for increased state funding or relief on mandates should the funding gap persist.
