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Board flags funding uncertainty, rising insurance costs as budget pressures
Summary
District staff told the board May 22 that funding from ESD 112 remains uncertain and liability insurance costs are increasing; staff reported widespread spending restrictions and that the Cascadia Tech partnership was dropped due to insufficient enrollment to justify transportation costs.
District staff and the superintendent told the board May 22 that funding for the next school year remains uncertain and that insurance rates — especially liability insurance — are increasing. Minutes record: "ESD 112 still doesn’t know the status of their funding for next school year. Insurance rates are increasing, especially from liability insurance." Board members said staff have been frugal and that most purchase requests have been denied this year to control costs.
As a direct consequence of low enrollment and transportation cost concerns, the district will not partner with Cascadia Tech for 2025–26: "Not enough students were interested in the programs offered at Cascadia Tech to support transportation costs, so the district will not partner with the skill center for the 2025-26 school year." The minutes also note the Forest Youth Success program is stalled because a government contract has not been provided and that staff will issue a public statement indicating FYS will not be offered this year.
Board members set a Budget Hearing/Adoption for June 30, 2025; the minutes do not include projected revenues or a revised budget table. The record shows ongoing uncertainty about external funding and increased insurance premiums as current pressures shaping district spending decisions.
