New state bill offers lifeline to debt-ridden Prescott School District
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Sen. Perry Dozier (R-Waitsburg) has introduced Senate Bill 6247 to improve school district financial management, a move sparked by the ongoing insolvency crisis facing the Prescott School District.
The district is currently battling a formal dissolution petition filed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, who cited approximately $1 million in outstanding debt and a lack of a viable plan to eliminate financial obligations by the 2026–27 school year.
Dozier’s strategy to save the district consists of three components:
- Community fundraising: Local efforts to generate immediate capital.
- February levy: A local ballot measure to secure steady funding.
- Legislative appropriation: A state-level budget request in Olympia.
The success of local funding efforts is considered crucial for securing the final state rescue package. While the Financial Oversight Committee (FOC) recommended dissolution due to the district’s inability to guarantee basic educational requirements or meet bond obligations, the state has offered a narrow reprieve.
The dissolution petition will be withdrawn if the district secures “reliable and measurable” funding and submits an approved financial plan by April 1. This deadline allows the 2026 legislative session to conclude before a final decision is made. If no solution is reached by then, the regional Educational Service District 123 will proceed to absorb or redistribute Prescott’s operations, despite strong community opposition to the closure.
File photo of Sen. Perry Dozier
