Board adopts 2026–27 budget after public hearing

The Enumclaw School Board voted to adopt the district's 2026–27 budget, approving Resolution 1182 after a public hearing that drew no public comments.

Kyle Fletcher, the district budget presenter, said the district is projecting $90,717,720 in revenues for 2026–27 and estimated expenditures of $89,351,008.41, producing a small projected net gain in the general fund. "We're projecting $90,717,720," Fletcher said during the presentation; he later noted anticipated expenditures of "$89,351,008.41." Fletcher told the board the general fund beginning balance was estimated at about $11.5 million and described the five funds that make up the district budget: general, capital projects, debt service, ASB and transportation vehicle funds.

The board advanced the budget after brief discussion about staffing and spending priorities. Director Stouffer moved to approve Resolution 1182 and Director Mason seconded; the board approved the measure by voice vote. The chair recorded the motion as passed. The business office noted that the budget includes a possible interfund transfer (previously $1.5 million) to capital projects but that any transfer would be reviewed during the year and is not mandatory.

Fletcher emphasized staffing as the budget's primary cost driver, saying roughly 80–85% of spending typically goes to salaries and benefits and that the district currently budgets about 83% for staffing. He also reviewed capital funding sources tied to the new school project, including a pending land sale and mitigation financing (see separate article on capital funding). The budget materials and a 14‑page overview and the larger F‑195 forecast were provided to the board in the meeting packet.

The board took the most recent procedural step required by state law — a public hearing followed by a formal adoption motion — and approved the budget that will now move into the district's fiscal year processes.