Wade Barringer

This document details the Kent School District's 2023 Bond proposition, seeking $495 million to modernize schools. The bond aims to fund repairs, replacements, and upgrades across five key areas: facility upgrades, student health and safety, outdoor learning improvements, district program growth, and technology infrastructure. Its purpose is to enhance safety, security, and equitable access to modern facilities for all students, preparing the district for future growth and potential new school construction, while projecting a decrease in local school tax rates.

The meeting provided a community budget update, emphasizing transparency regarding the district's budget status. The recap of the 2024-2025 fiscal year closed with an unassigned ending fund balance of 8.9%, which complied with the required 5% minimum, although it was lower than anticipated. A key discussion point was the historical trend showing expenditures increasing at a faster rate (7.2% annually) than revenues (5.3% annually) over the last five years, necessitating budget adjustments. Revenue sources were detailed, showing the EPO levy contributing 15% and enrollment-based state funding contributing 55%. Expenditure analysis highlighted that 82% of spending is allocated to salaries and benefits. The presentation covered the adopted budget and forecast for 2025-2026 and subsequent years, indicating projected deficits unless corrective actions are taken. Adjustments implemented due to the 2024-2025 closing deficit included immediate budget cuts totaling $5.2 million in central office MSO and a $1.9 million hiring freeze on vacant positions. Further challenges discussed included an unexpected decline of 792 students and 413 inclusive education students, resulting in a $14.4 million revenue reduction for 2025-2026, and necessary staffing increases for special education IEPs. Future concerns involved the expiration of the current EPO levy in December 2027 and projected multi-million dollar budget cuts required in future years to maintain the 5% fund balance reserve.

This presentation from Kent School District outlines the budget update, reviewing the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the current 2025-2026 budget, and forecasts through 2029. Key challenges include declining enrollment, revenue growth lagging expenditure growth, potential federal funding reductions, and the upcoming expiration of the EPO levy. To maintain the required fund balance, the district anticipates needing to implement significant budget cuts, starting with an estimated $35 million in 2026-2027, with additional cuts in subsequent years.

The Kent School District's vision is to produce globally competitive learners. This is achieved by providing equitable access to high-quality academic, social, and applied learning experiences. The plan aims to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.

This document reviews the 2019-2020 school improvement efforts and outlines the plan for 2020-2021. The strategic plan focuses on three high-priority goals: increasing student proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, and enhancing parent communication and engagement. Key strategies include implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), providing sustained professional learning for staff on best practices, and fostering collaboration between academic support teams and classroom teachers. The plan aims to improve student academic outcomes, reduce the number of students requiring intensive support, and increase parent participation and positive perceptions of school communication.