Warrenton‑Hammond board approves 2026–27 proposed budget, to draw on reserves

The Warrenton‑Hammond SD 30 budget committee voted to approve the proposed 2026–27 budget after a roll call vote at the meeting. Board members were told the budget is balanced only by drawing on reserves.

Mohawk, the district finance presenter, said, "as in the presented budget, we will be spending a little over 1000000 dollars of our reserves to balance out." The administration also reported a revenue shortfall of about $1,700,000 and said enrollment is not increasing, which drives the budget outlook.

Members asked about potential savings from furlough days and calendar changes; presenters said a recent executive order limits the usefulness of furlough days because districts that use them must make the days up. Administrators outlined operational savings targets including $235,000 from tighter operations, $10,000 by handling accounting in-house, and smaller savings from reduced printing and substitute costs. They noted transportation remains a target for additional efficiencies.

During discussion board members and staff described the budget as a multi‑year challenge: leadership expects to dip into contingency over the next two years if enrollment and revenue patterns continue. The committee then moved and approved the budget on a roll‑call vote; one member announced a conflict of interest during roll call. The motion passed and the budget committee adjourned.

What happens next: the budget as approved will be used for district planning in the coming fiscal year; administrators said they will continue to pursue one‑time grants and operational savings to reduce reliance on reserves.