Courtesy Photo, Kent School District

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District

Kent School District sets community budget meetings

Staff to discuss $35 million budget shortfall for next year on Jan. 12 and Jan. 24

The Kent School District will host two Community Budget Update meetings in January to share information about the district’s financial outlook and planning for the 2026-2027 school year.

The district is facing a projected minimum of $35 million budget shortfall for next year and will need to make reductions across schools, programs and departments to maintain financial stability, according to a Jan. 6 district press release. District staff has reported declining student enrollment as the primary reason for the budget shortfall.

The Kent School Board is scheduled to adopt a budget in June.

Community Budget Update meetings

• Monday, Jan. 12

6 to 7 p.m.

Kent-Meridian High School, East Wing Auditorium

10116 SE 256th St., Kent

• Saturday, Jan. 24

10 to 11:00 a.m.

Online via Zoom

Community members may submit questions in advance to KSDBudget@kent.k12.wa.us. Be sure to indicate which meeting you are attending.

Additional budget meetings for district staff will be held separately and communicated directly to employees, according to the press release.

The Kent School Board has a team retreat from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 at district headquarters, 12033 SE 256th St., according to the district’s website.


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