College Place school board has a balanced budget for 2026-27 school year

COLLEGE PLACE — The College Place Public Schools Board of Directors unanimously approved a $31.3 million operating budget for the 2026-27 school year during its meeting Tuesday, passing a balanced financial plan that avoids drawing from district reserves.

The spending plan stands in contrast to many Washington school districts currently facing budget cuts and enrollment declines. Roughly 78 percent of the general fund budget will cover staff salaries and benefits. The remaining portion funds classroom supplies, transportation, utilities, extracurricular activities, and physical and mental health services for students.

District officials said conservative revenue estimates and outside grants helped secure the break-even budget without requiring mid-year reductions to programs or staffing.

“We continue to focus our spending on where it matters the most, in the classroom and in services that directly impact our children,” CPPS Board President Eva Brown said. “Every budget decision begins with the same question: How does this improve opportunities for students?”

Superintendent Jim Fry noted that the district actively seeks competitive grants and partnerships to supplement local and state funding, maximizing taxpayer dollars while preserving favorable adult-to-student ratios.

District leaders attributed the stable financial position to enrollment growth and deliberate planning. In recent years, College Place schools have reported gains in student attendance, academic achievement, and graduation rates, along with a decrease in discipline suspensions.

Funding for the upcoming budget draws from state apportionment, voter-approved local levies, and state and federal program grants. Officials said the budget also maintains flexibility for future capital improvements to district facilities.

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Elkhorn Media Group