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Board hears first reading of 2026–27 budget amid enrollment decline projections
Summary
In the first reading of the 2026–27 budget, district staff presented a balanced-budget requirement and a scenario showing declining enrollment (from 13,665 to about 13,324) that reduces general apportionment, requires reductions, and could force use of about $4 million from reserves under current assumptions.
John Coleman presented the district’s preliminary budget for 2026–27 and reviewed the adoption timeline: public notices, a budget hearing and adoption scheduled for Aug. 11, and subsequent filing with the Northwest ESD. He reiterated that state law requires a balanced budget and that failing to meet that requirement can trigger state oversight. "We have to have a balanced budget," Coleman said.
Coleman summarized priorities driving the budget — sustaining student opportunities and activities, supporting academic success (MTSS and school improvement), investing in professional development, and improving organizational effectiveness — while warning the district faces declining enrollment. He said enrollment is projected to fall from 13,665 this year to roughly 13,324 next year and that 74% of the district’s funding comes from the state; fewer students mean lower general apportionment. Under current assumptions the district expects about $342.4 million in revenue and $346.6 million in expenditures, which would imply drawing approximately $4 million from fund balance; the presenter said staff plan to manage expenditures to mitigate the draw.
Board members asked questions about potential enrollment impacts from Boeing hiring and the mechanics of recall and hiring as positions become available. Coleman explained that some elementary positions have been returned via recall while secondary positions remain more constrained because of endorsement requirements. The board did not vote on the budget at this meeting — the item was a first reading to inform the August adoption.
