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Prosser School Board warns of looming budget constraints, approves routine transactions and introduces new finance director
Summary
Board members honored retirees and approved vouchers, payroll and consent items. Board member Kim warned the district is likely headed into binding budget conditions by the end of the 2025–26 fiscal year; the board also introduced Sean as the new director of finance and operations.
Board members of the Prosser School District recognized longtime employees, approved routine financial items and heard a warning that the district faces significant budget pressure.
Board member Kim said the district "will be in binding conditions by the end of the 25/26 fiscal year," urging trustees and the public to attend an in-depth expense presentation on June 17 so the board can review spending options and data across the state. Kim said the district has shifted some expenditures to grant funding and sold surplus buses to reduce costs, but added those moves will not return the district to a surplus position.
"We don't put it out on social media, but it has been in every meeting and every discussion," Kim told the board, saying leaders were working to "expend down as far as we can." She also described an outstanding public records request that will require review and redaction of roughly 80,000 emails, creating a substantial cost to the district.
The board introduced Sean, who began June 1 as the district's director of finance and operations. Sean told trustees she has spent the first 10 days in concentrated training, described learning through a Washington Association of School Business Officials program and said she has been working with district staff on next year's salary projections. "I'm feeling like I'm drinking through a fire hose," Sean said, adding she will continue training and help prepare the expense presentation for the board.
On routine business the board moved and seconded to approve vouchers and payroll after questions about higher-than-usual maintenance and repair expenses for buses; the motion carried by voice vote. The board also approved consent items A, B and C by voice vote.
The meeting opened with retiree recognitions; the board read the names and years of service of several employees, including Diana Casta (school counselor), Marsha Childers (teacher), Chris Hogaboom (school counselor), Teresa Rada, Nanette Stark, Elizabeth Vigil (paraprofessional) and Larry Wax (bus driver). Student representative Olivia Ezrey reported on student activities, including a Netflix-themed yearbook, volleyball and basketball camps and freshman orientation plans.
Board members praised graduation and scholarship night, with one trustee noting the district's class of 2026 received a little over $2.2 million in scholarships—about $1.2 million of that from local sources—and roughly 200 students benefited. Trustees thanked staff and community volunteers who organized scholarship night and other events.
The board set a special meeting for June 17 at 6 p.m. for the expense presentation and a regular meeting for June 24 at 6 p.m. The meeting was adjourned without further action.
Actions at a glance: vouchers and payroll approved (voice vote); consent items A, B and C approved (voice vote); new director of finance and operations introduced.
