Cascade SD 5 leaders warn PERS spike will squeeze district budget; bond study underway
Superintendent and finance director told the board rising PERS costs are driving a fiscal 'cliff'—including a reported $2.1 million one-year increase—and the district has hired EcoNorthwest to study whether a future bond could help offset retirement costs over 20 years; current market rates make borrowing unlikely this year.
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Superintendent Mr. Drill told the Cascade School District 5 board that preparing the 2026–27 budget is the district’s top priority and described sharp, ongoing retirement (PERS) cost increases that are compressing available funds. "At Cascade, our our cost for PERS increased $2,100,000 just by going from June 30 to July 1," he said, and explained the district has been using a PERS side account to smooth payments as long as possible.
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