Rainier SD 13 reports beginning fund balance about $1 million below estimate, projects $822,000 ending balance

Rainier School District 13 financial staff told the board the district began the fiscal year with a beginning fund balance approximately $1,000,000 below what had been estimated, a shortfall that contributes to roughly $1.2 million lower revenue projections for the year.

At the board meeting, finance presenter Van Dyke (speaker 6) said the district's current projection shows a possible ending general fund balance of approximately $822,000 and characterized the position as reflecting a deficit spend of about $645,000 for the year. Van Dyke noted that the figure reflects the general fund and that final outcomes may change depending on the status of special revenue funds and encumbrances.

Superintendent Holloway said staff are discussing ways to bring the budget back into balance, including moving the substitute teacher program in‑house (currently contracted) to save money and improve access, and hiring an in‑house business office manager; Holloway said the position is expected to be filled barring unforeseen issues. Van Dyke said salaries and benefits are encumbered in the accounting system and that some grants may be overspent because of higher salary costs tied to recent collective bargaining agreements; if so, the general fund may need to cover those costs.

What happens next: staff will continue monitoring expenditures, review which positions are funded from which funds, and report back to the board with potential actions to stabilize the budget.