Facing Budget Challenges Together as OneKSD
Kent School District (KSD) is expecting at least a $35 million budget shortfall for the 2026–2027 school year. This is happening for several reasons, including limited state funding, rising costs from inflation and daily operations, and fewer students enrolling. To stay financially stable in the long term, we must make choices about how we use our resources. Over the last few years, we have made budget reduction decisions that minimize impacts on schools.
Our Approach
The School Board has developed principles to guide our initial recommendations, however, we understand any recommendations will affect students, families, schools, and staff. We will respectfully continue to share information early and clearly so everyone can prepare and make needed adjustments.
Community and Staff Connections
We remain committed to communicating frequently and involving our community throughout this process.
Staff and Family Climate Surveys: In June 2025, we asked two budget‑related questions to better understand what our community values.
Labor Partner Engagement: In addition to regularly scheduled meetings and email updates, since October, we have met twice with labor leaders specifically about the district’s budget shortfall. During those meetings, we have provided details regarding district finances and projections.
Budget Communications and Presentations: Building on similar communication from the last few years, from October through December, we sent four budget‑focused messages, gave two School Board presentations, and created a budget update webpage.
Community and Staff Engagement
On Wednesday, January 7, KSD held an all‑staff budget update meeting. We have several opportunities this month for people to ask questions and give input. Please feel free to send questions to KSDBudget@kent.k12.wa.us. In addition, all community members are welcomed and encouraged to join community meetings. Upcoming sessions include:
Community
Monday, January 12, 6:00–7:00 p.m. at Kent-Meridian High School, East Wing Auditorium
Budget Survey 2026: A short survey coming next week to gather what families and staff value most
Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m. School Board meeting (comments may be sent in writing, prerecorded video, or shared in person)
Saturday, January 24, 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Zoom
Wednesday, January 28, 6:30 p.m. School Board meeting (comments may be sent in writing, prerecorded video, shared in person)
KSD Staff Only
Wednesday, January 21, 1:00–2:00 p.m. KSD All‑Staff Meeting
Upcoming Budget Work Session
At the February 4 Budget Work Session, the district will present a first look at the possible reductions. These may include cost savings in staffing, programs, materials, operating costs, and building support. This meeting is an important step before the February 25 School Board meeting, when the districtwide reduction in program will be formally considered.
The preliminary reduction in program may include:
Building supports: $4,000,000–$4,500,000
Categorical programs: $8,000,000–$8,500,000
Central Office: $2,500,000–$3,000,000
Class size: $11,000,000–$12,000,000
Materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC): $1,000,000–$2,000,000
Operations: $1,500,000–$2,000,000
Program adjustments: $7,000,000–$8,000,000
These initial recommendations are based on what we know right now. We are continuing to review all areas of the district for possible savings, more revenue options, and cost reductions.
Moving Forward as OneKSD
We continue to work hard to address the projected $35 million deficit. As OneKSD, we remain committed to student learning, strong financial practices, and right‑sizing for long‑term stability. The decisions we made over the last few years—and the ones we must make now and in the future—are helping build a sustainable path forward for our schools and students.