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Orting superintendent warns of funding shortfall after insurance spike
Summary
Orting School District leaders told the board that a 53.19% jump in the district’s insurance bill—about $480,000—combined with a modest $476 per‑student state funding increase will create an early-year deficit, prompting calls for legislative advocacy and possible use of levy dollars to protect programs.
At a regular Orting School District board meeting, the superintendent warned that the district is facing an immediate fiscal strain after receiving an insurance bill that rose 53.19 percent, increasing costs by about $480,000 and putting the district into a net deficit early in the fiscal year.
The superintendent said the Legislature allocated an additional $476 per student for the next year; for the district’s roughly 2,800 students, that increase amounts to about $131,768—far less than the insurance spike alone. “With the very first bill of the year, we’re already in a net deficit,” the superintendent told the board, urging increased advocacy in the next legislative session to address K‑12 funding shortfalls.
Board members and staff linked the insurance increase to statewide liability and settlement trends, saying high jury and pre‑trial settlements in the state insurance market are driving premiums up across districts. District staff said some of the rise is market-driven and outside local control, and that while internal risk mitigation may shave costs, it will not offset the large, pool‑wide increase.
District leaders outlined near‑term choices: use existing program dollars or levy funds to preserve student supports, press for state legislative fixes, and review internal risk practices. The superintendent also warned that other vendors—mental health partners, private contractors and commodity suppliers—are likely to raise prices in response, further widening budget gaps.
The board did not take a formal fiscal vote at the meeting but directed staff to continue analyzing options and to amplify advocacy with state lawmakers. The superintendent said a follow‑up update is expected next week as staff refine budget forecasts.
The presentation and discussion came during the superintendent’s regular report, which also included announcements about a new elementary principal and several community events.
Next steps: staff will continue modeling budget scenarios, present a detailed forecast to the board, and pursue advocacy contacts with legislators ahead of the next session.
