Wenatchee School District May Offset ASB Shortfall with Debit Card Program

The Wenatchee School District is looking into partnering with GESA Credit Union to offer district-themed debit cards to GESA members.

Associate Superintendent of Student Services Mark Helm said a percentage of the proceeds from using the card would go back to the district's Associated Student Body (ASB) fund. That money could be used to help with some of the financial difficulties Athletic Director Jim Beeson is experiencing.

"Jim has got about a $100,000 ASB budget. $70,000 of that, the money is generated through ticket sales." Helm stated, "Well, we don't have any ticket sales this year. We aren't selling tickets for anything. He has a huge hole in his budget."

District staff are also bracing for a budget shortfall from new state legislation passed last year. House Bill 1660 reduces obstacles for low-income students who are wanting to participate in extracurricular activities. The new requirements will mean less revenue coming in from student participation.

There is a guaranteed annual revenue minimum for the debit card program, but no earnings limit. The district would also get to choose how the funds are allocated.

Other districts like Eastmont and Moses Lake are already in the program. Richland School District has been in the program since 2015 and is now earning roughly $52,000 a year.

The Wenatchee School Board can approve a contract with GESA at their next meeting March 9th.