Northshore School District board adopts 2026–27 budget, cites restored staff and larger rainy-day reserve

The Northshore School District Board of Directors approved Resolution 919, adopting the district’s 2026–27 operating budget after a second reading and a June public hearing.

Deputy Superintendent Jolynn Berge presented the measure as “Resolution number 919, which encompasses the 2026–27 budget. It’s a four-year budget plan summary,” and recommended final approval. A public hearing on the proposed budget was held June 22, 2026, Berge said.

Board members praised staff for balancing revenues and rebuilding reserves. Director Han Tran thanked the business office and staff “for getting the funds balanced and also raising our rainy day funds.” Members noted the district faces declining enrollment but said the budget reflects higher per-student needs.

The adopted budget restores at least one teacher position for sixth and ninth grades, and allows class-size reductions for fourth and fifth graders and for students in key transition years, board members said. Deputy Superintendent Berge told the board the plan will bring the unreserved fund balance to a level that should avoid borrowing next year.

The board approved the resolution by voice vote after motion and second. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes; the chair declared the motion passed.

The budget’s immediate effects include restored instructional staffing and continuation of planned capital projects tied to prior bonds and levies. District staff will implement the budget over the coming fiscal year and continue monitoring the fund balance into July, Berge said.

The board’s action follows the district’s earlier enrollment projections and the June public hearing; implementation details and program-level allocations will be managed by the business office and superintendent’s team.