Wenatchee School Board Presented Early Budget

Wenatchee School District staff presented the school board last week with some budgetary updates as part of the lead-up to adopting a budget in August.

At the moment, the coming years are projected to see declines in enrollment, staffing, and the general fund balance. Revenues and expenses are projected to fall by more than $20 million after the 2021-22 school year, largely due to CARES Act funding.

Board Member Martin Barron voiced concern that the district will need to dip far below its minimum general fund balance, which needs to be maintained due to bonding issues.

"I guesstimated that we're at least $2.1 million short in terms of reducing expenditures to the level of enrollment to maintain our minimum balance." said Barron, "So I would strongly recommend that the district goes back and produces a plan that balances revenues and expenses to maintain the required minimum balance."

While expenses are going to need to decline, the district is exploring the option of building a softball complex to fulfill their Title IX obligation.

Superintendent Paul Gordon said, "I think the most important piece is understanding that we're going to have roughly a $5 million obligation on our books (whether) it's through a loan, a bond, (or) a fund balance. Ultimately, our softball facility must be upgraded to meet the boys' (expenses). This is an area that we have to address."

The district will next submit a draft budget to the Employment Security Department and make it available to the public by July 12th. A public hearing on the budget will be held July 27th, while the budget is set for board approval in August.