Pullman School District to seek public comment on roughly $1.07 million budget extension for running start and special education costs

Pullman School District finance staff told trustees the district will present a resolution to revise and extend the 2025–26 general fund to account for unexpected running‑start invoicing and higher special‑education demand. "We have an additional $480,000" in running‑start invoices from WSU and higher special‑education FTE requiring more staff and spending, Finance staff Diane (speaker 9) said. "So the total, budget increase is going to be $1,070,370," she said.

Diane explained that the running‑start funds are essentially pass‑through: the district claims state funding for students but must pay WSU for the program, and invoices arrived late. She said the extension requires the same statutory process as an ordinary budget and that the district must hold a public hearing on the extension (scheduled for May 27) before formal adoption. "Better safe than sorry," Diane said of the timing, noting the district will not have system access during the Skyward-to-Cumulative migration window.

The facilities presentation earlier in the meeting underscored maintenance needs that inform capital planning: facilities staff (Justin, speaker 16) noted that Pullman High School received a high condition score (about 97.8%), but identified 'fair' or 'poor' ratings for roofing, HVAC and parking at Jefferson, Franklin and Sunnyside elementaries and said roof projects will be put out to bid in September. Justin warned that Franklin and Jefferson will age out at roughly the same time and said district staff will prioritize roofing and HVAC work as part of long‑term maintenance.

No formal vote on the budget extension occurred at the meeting; Diane said the board will hold the public hearing and then consider the resolution in a subsequent action item.