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Washington Unified reports stronger-than-expected close for 2024–25, sets aside $5.7M for priorities
Summary
Finance staff reported unaudited 2024–25 results showing a better‑than‑projected ending general fund balance (about $22.17 million) and proposed one‑time commitments totaling approximately $5.7 million for textbooks, deferred maintenance, OPEB, safety, transportation and technology; the board approved the unaudited actuals by roll call.
Washington Unified School District officials told the board on Sept. 25 that unaudited fiscal‑year 2024–25 results were stronger than expected, and trustees approved the report and a set of recommended one‑time commitments.
Chief Business Officer Monique Silva and fiscal director Billy Duba said revenues exceeded June projections by about $1.4 million while expenses were $1.1 million lower than estimated, yielding an improvement in the district's fund balance. "A combination of higher revenue and lower expenses gives us a net change to our fund balance of $3.9 million more than what we projected," Duba said during the presentation. Staff reported an ending general fund balance of about $22,166,681 (un‑audited).
The staff proposal earmarked roughly $5.7 million of that balance for near‑term priorities: $700,000 for academic materials (textbook adoption), $2 million for facilities deferred maintenance, $500,000 to other post‑employment benefits (OPEB), $500,000 for safety needs, $1 million for transportation (one‑time buses) and $1 million for technology refresh (student Chromebooks and staff devices). The board's finance subcommittee had reviewed the recommendations in advance.
Silva told trustees the district maintains a required 3% reserve and the board has directed an additional 3%, producing a 6% reserve for economic uncertainty — about $8.8 million under the unaudited numbers. "Having a positive ending fund balance is a good measure of financial health," Silva said; she also emphasized ongoing monitoring and updates in the district's budget cycle.
Trustees voted by roll call to approve the unaudited actuals and the proposed commitments; auditors will review the reports during the external audit process later this year.
What happens next: Staff will submit the unaudited actuals to county auditors and return in December with the first interim report on the current fiscal year; trustees asked for continued updates on deferred‑maintenance planning and grant spending.
