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Kennewick School District board adopts 2026–27 budget as officials warn of multi‑million shortfall
Summary
After a lengthy presentation on enrollment declines and rising operating costs, the Kennewick School District board adopted the proposed 2026–27 budget by a 5–0 vote. Officials said the district projects roughly $4.5 million less in revenue next year and outlined staffing and MSOC pressures.
The Kennewick School District board voted 5–0 to adopt the district’s proposed 2026–27 budget following a presentation that highlighted falling enrollment and rising operating costs.
Dr. Brillhart, who led the budget presentation, told the board the district projects enrollment will be down by about 300 students next year. That reduction will drive an estimated $3.0 million drop in basic education revenue and contribute to what the presenter described as a total revenue shortfall of roughly $4.5 million for the coming year. “Our resources drive everything,” Dr. Brillhart said, explaining the need to match staffing and program decisions to projected revenues.
The presentation outlined major cost pressures: staffing (which accounts for about 86% of district spending) showed a preliminary staff‑related change of about $12.1 million year‑over‑year when accounting for step increases, certificated pools and adjustments to alternative programming; MSOC (maintenance, supplies, operations and capital) categories are affected by higher utility and insurance costs; and the district proposed a $500,000 contingency to address market volatility and supply‑cost risk.
Officials noted some revenue offsets: a voter‑approved levy will increase levy revenues (timing of levy receipts means the full benefit phases in later in the budget cycle), and the district expects some pass‑through reimbursements tied to capital projects such as Tri‑Tech. The presenters said the projected general‑fund starting balance is about $59 million as of Sept. 1 under the current assumptions.
Board members asked clarifying questions about enrollment forecasting, the composition of staff reductions (staff reductions are largely vacancies the district will not fill this year) and the sensitivity of MSOC projections to utility and insurance inflation. The presenter said health‑insurance and retirement allocations, per‑pupil federal funding changes and state staffing formulas are part of the gap that districts must manage.
After the presentation and the public‑hearing window (no members of the public spoke on the budget), the board adopted Resolution 15‑2025‑2026 to adopt the 2026–27 budget “as presented.” A roll call conducted by the clerk, Patty, recorded yes votes from Mr. Connors, Dr. Miller, Ms. Gledhill, Mr. Valentine and Mr. Galbraith.
The board will monitor implementation, and staff said they will return with more refined projections and options to manage the gap. The board will vote on routine budget housekeeping and related transfers at future meetings. The budget hearing portion of the meeting was adjourned before board action on the resolution.
