- Everett Public Schools
- 2023-24 Operating Budget
2023-24 Operating Budget
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Everett School District’s budget is the written expression of how the district will utilize limited resources to achieve the goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan and community priorities. Budget development occurs throughout the year, starting in the late Fall and culminating in August with adoption by the Board of Directors. This complex process relies upon multiple sources of input from various stakeholders including students, staff, administration, legislative outcomes, key communicators and community members. The district adopted its 2023-24 operating budget on August 22, 2023.
Please see the frequently asked questions below for helpful information. If you have any unanswered questions, please email budget@everettsd.org.Frequently Asked Questions
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Why do we have such a big deficit?
It is a combination of increased expenses, staffing costs related to cost of living raises and a reduction in funding.
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What is the current approximate deficit this year and next?
We budgeted a deficit of $11M this year 2022-23 (planning to spend down some fund balance), which will actually be closer to $15M. The current 2023-24 deficit estimate is $28 - 38 million.
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Will there be reductions in force (RIF) this spring?
We must look at all spending, including personnel. There will likely need to be layoffs, although at this time we are not certain how many. If layoffs are necessary, the district will partner with labor associations regarding contract obligations and work with affected staff to ensure as much notice as possible is given. Some reductions could come through attrition and by eliminating vacant positions.
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Are administrative furloughs an option?
We must look at all spending, including the option of administrative furloughs. Although we are focusing on reductions for the 2023-24 school year, Cabinet is taking a 5-day furlough this spring (2023) to help start reductions early.
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Can we sell the Longfellow property and use the money to help reduce our deficit?
We cannot use money we receive from property sales to reduce the budget deficit projected for our general (operating) fund. All funds we receive from property sales must be deposited into our capital fund which is not facing a projected deficit. By law, capital funds must be spent purchasing, constructing or equipping capital projects such as new schools, additions, modernizations, HVAC and roofing system replacements, and technology systems.
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How could this happen if we supposedly look at long range forecasts?
Long range forecasts can be impacted by changes in the economy, cost of living variables, decisions by the legislature and other factors over which we have no control. Budgets are made with predictions and assumptions that often must be adjusted along the way.
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How will you pick what gets cut?
The district is soliciting feedback from parents, staff and community and will make a recommendation based on cuts that will have the least impact on instruction in the classroom. The recommendation goes to the superintendent who then will review and make a recommendation to the school board. The school board has to approve the final list of reductions.
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Why did we negotiate high salaries?
Everett is one of many districts in north King and south Snohomish counties where the market is highly competitive. The district is committed to providing an equitable cost of living that is competitive with surrounding districts and works to recruit and retain the best staff.
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Where will the cuts be? What/who will be cut to balance the district’s budget?
There will be cost reductions, and it will likely affect all budget areas. The district is working with many different stakeholder groups to prepare a reduction proposal for the superintendent, who will then finalize a reduction plan for the board’s review.
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What are our opportunities to mitigate the deficit?
The sooner we can reduce expenses, the greater the impact will be over time, so making cost reductions now will be helpful.
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How will we sustain unfunded mandates?
The district will need to reduce additional/supplemental programs to support the unfunded mandates.
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Is basic education underfunding something the Legislature will fix?
We are uncertain if the Legislature will help resolve the school funding issues and are realistic in our expectations as well. We are looking at how to work within the current funding situation without legislative intervention.
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How will we sustain our success with fewer resources?
The district has historically seen improved performance even during times of reduction. We will continue to focus on each student and look for reductions in places that will have the least effect on student performance.
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What do budget cuts mean for my child?
The goal is to see spending reductions that likely have little, if any, impact to students.
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You just passed a levy that impacts our taxes, how can you still be in a deficit?
The levy funding will start coming in April 2023. That money is replacing funding that expires in December 2022. It does not consider the inflation on goods and services, cost of living variables, and the change in interest rates.
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How does this impact taxes moving forward?
The school district is committed to maintaining a stable tax rate and monitors a 20-year outlook to ensure stability over time.
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Will there still be X [robotics, extracurriculars, field trips, etc.]?
There will be cost reductions, and it will likely affect all budget areas. We will continue to focus on each student and look for reductions in places that will have the least effect on student performance. We won’t know exactly where the cuts are until spring 2023.
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Will there be cuts in athletics [or anything athletic related]?
There will be cost reductions, and it will likely affect all budget areas. We will continue to focus on each student and look for reductions in places that will have the least effect on student performance. We won’t know exactly where the cuts are until spring 2023.
Quick Links
- 2023-24 Approved Reduction Plan
- Let's Connect feedback
- Budget Reality presentation
- Family and Staff budget survey results
- Pie chart of current revenue sources
- Pie chart of current expenses
- Find out more about IPD
- Board Presentation: 2023-26 Financial Outlook
- Citizen's Guide to the Budget 2022-23
- 2023-24 Operating Budget