Kent School District -

Kent School District (KSD) has shared a 2025–2026 budget update, outlining current financial challenges and the district’s continued focus on long-term stability. At the May 14, 2025 board meeting, Executive Director of Finance Raul Parungao and Director of Finance Lisa Tylor presented key information about state and federal funding impacts, enrollment trends, and the district’s projected financial outlook. 

While Washington’s K–12 education budget saw a modest increase of seven percent, KSD leaders emphasized this does not fully address the district’s rising costs or declining enrollment. The approved state budget includes increases in special education funding and modest boosts to materials and staff compensation; however, it still leaves significant gaps when compared to the district’s actual expenditures and student needs. K-12 education funding has dropped from 43.4 percent to 43.2 percent of the state’s overall budget. 

“The state continues to underfund public education,” Parungao noted, citing shortfalls of over $28,000 per certificated instructional staff member and $22,000 per classified staff member. “Our mission remains clear—we must serve students with the resources we have, while advocating for the funding we need.” 

Budget Forecast Include Strategic Reductions Ahead 

The district projects operating deficits over the next several years without ample state funding and intervention. Forecasts show a 2025–2026 deficit of $6.7 million, potentially increasing in the following years. To mitigate these challenges, KSD is pursuing phased budget-balancing strategies to preserve classroom instruction while achieving a 7.9 percent unassigned fund balance by 2028–2029. 

“This is about long-term financial health,” said Superintendent Israel Vela. “We are acting now to ensure stability, equity, and student-centered learning environments for years to come.”

Enrollment Projected to Remain Flat 

Enrollment in KSD has declined by 8.7 percent over the past decade, driven largely by pandemic-era changes. Projections show flat enrollment in the coming years. Despite this, KSD remains committed to supporting every student, especially those with increased needs. 

The district welcomed a modest increase in special education funding—acknowledging it as progress—but emphasized expenditures in this area are expected to grow even faster. 

“This is about removing barriers and ensuring our schools are equipped to serve every student, regardless of background or ability,” Vela added. 

OneKSD = OneClass, OneTeam, OneCommunity 

 School board priorities for the budget include a focus on consistent student success measures, incorporating student voice, special education, safe learning environments, innovation and efficiency strategies. These goals align with the district’s OneKSD initiative to support every student through unified efforts between staff, families, and the broader community. 

As the budget development process continues, district leaders are working in partnership with the school board, labor organizations, and community members to align fiscal decision-making with shared values and strategic plan goals. 

What’s Next 

“It takes all of us,” said Superintendent Vela. “Together, we are building a district that meets today’s challenges and prepares every student for tomorrow.” 

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