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Board hears Budget 101: enrollment down, Transition-to-Kindergarten funding cut
Summary
District budget staff told trustees the Stevenson-Carson School District expects about $15.5 million in operating revenue for 2025–26, projected student enrollment is down by roughly 20 students versus last-year projections, and state cuts to Transition to Kindergarten and other changes could reduce district revenue for 2026–27.
District finance staff gave trustees a Budget 101 briefing and asked for guidance on enrollment assumptions and possible program priorities.
Kathy McKee said the district expects about $15.5 million in operating revenue for 2025–26, with "about $69" of every $100 from the State of Washington, $17 from local sources (primarily property tax), $9 from federal grants and $5 from other sources. McKee said the district uses four major funds — Capital Projects, General Fund, ASB and Transportation — and noted that categorical funds (CTE, Title I, LAP, Special Education, Bilingual and HiCap) must be spent for their specified programs.
McKee reported enrollment projections have fallen; the district is about 20 students under prior projections and is planning on continued declines for 2026–27. Trustees discussed changing the 10 percent minimum fund balance target and what programs might be trimmed if revenue declines continue. Superintendent Ingrid Colvard also warned trustees that recent legislative outcomes included cuts to Running Start, no additional MSOC support, and reduced funding for Transition to Kindergarten; SCSD has 14 prospective TK students and will await OSPI guidance on how the funding changes will affect local eligibility and claiming rules.
Board members asked clarifying questions about TK eligibility and whether a cap might be imposed; McKee and Colvard said the legislature had discussed caps but no formal action had been announced. The board agreed to move forward with the presented enrollment projections while monitoring legislative guidance.
