Washington Elementary board approves publication of proposed FY2027 budget, schedules public hearing

The Washington Elementary School District governing board voted June 11 to approve publication of the proposed fiscal year 2027 expenditure budget and to publish the required notice of a public hearing and truth-in-taxation. Mr. O’Brien, presenting the proposal, said, “this evening, we are requesting that you approve the proposed budget for fiscal year 27,” and explained the timeline that will bring a final adopted budget back to the board in July.

Why it matters: the proposed budget frames the district’s tax-rate calculations and spending plan for next year; administrators warned the final adopted numbers could change based on state legislative action. Mr. O’Brien told the board the district had intentionally used conservative projections because the state budget remained unsettled.

Budget highlights and uncertainties: presenters noted maintenance-and-operations (M) is the district’s largest fund, with about 85–86% of that budget covering salaries and benefits. Mr. O’Brien said the classroom site fund increased based on sales-tax projections, and that capital spending had been accelerated this year, which will reduce bond spending next year. He also said the district expects to switch some insurance administration to Valley Schools, which should reduce in‑district administrative costs.

On carryover and compensation: during questioning, a board member asked how a 15% increase shown on one line reconciled with a 2% average increase shown elsewhere. Mr. O’Brien and other administrators explained the figures reflect two different funding “buckets”: the larger percentage reflects targeted performance-pay and compression allocations within a specific fund, while the 2% figure is an overall average across other funds. The administration reported a current projection of about $19 million in M-fund carryover, but said that number will change as bills are paid and as the state finalizes funding.

Next steps and vote: the board moved, seconded, and approved the motion to publish the proposed FY2027 expenditure budget and the required public notices by voice vote. A public hearing on the adopted budget will be held in July before the board adopts the final budget.

Documentary note: the proposal and the board’s approval reflect the proposed (not yet adopted) budget; the administration emphasized that the district may lower some estimates between the proposed and adopted budget as required by law.