2026-27 Budget Development Process
Clover Park School District is a responsible fiscal steward of public funding and works to ensure responsible budget development aligned with board policy on fund balance and prioritizes funding to directly support student learning, while maintaining the daily operations of the district and schools. The district’s responsible fiscal stewardship is evidenced by high bond ratings, clean financial audits, $10 million in savings to taxpayers over the last decade through refinanced bonds, and conservative financial management.
Each year, CPSD gathers community input and aligns the budget with student needs, stakeholder priorities and long-term goals to ensure stability and strong educational outcomes.
Due to external financial pressures from state funding cuts and chronic underfunding, increased costs and the volatility of federal funding, CPSD is beginning a multi-year process to reduce overall spending and maintain our financial and operational stability. The school board is considering a budget adjustment recommendation from the superintendent for $12.6 million in reductions and efficiencies that coupled with current projected enrollment is expected to bring the district to a 5.3% fund balance for next fiscal year. This is above the board’s current policy of a 5% fund balance and in alignment with the board’s target of a 6% fund balance to start the 2026-27 school year. The board will vote on the recommendation at its May 11 board meeting.
These adjustments will be made through attrition, reducing department and building expenditures, staff reductions and shifting class sizes at the secondary level to a model moving closer to a prototypical class size.
CPSD is holding community budget forums across the district this winter and spring to share information and gather input. Click on the Budget Priorities Survey Link to complete the survey by May 8.
We invite our community to participate with us in the 2026-27 budget development process. Call the CPSD business services department at 253-583-5010 with questions or if you need accessibility accommodations or interpretation for any upcoming budget meetings.
Clover Park School District is a responsible fiscal steward of public funding and works to ensure responsible budget development aligned with board policy on fund balance and prioritizes funding to directly support student learning, while maintaining the daily operations of the district and schools. The district’s responsible fiscal stewardship is evidenced by high bond ratings, clean financial audits, $10 million in savings to taxpayers over the last decade through refinanced bonds, and conservative financial management.
Each year, CPSD gathers community input and aligns the budget with student needs, stakeholder priorities and long-term goals to ensure stability and strong educational outcomes.
Due to external financial pressures from state funding cuts and chronic underfunding, increased costs and the volatility of federal funding, CPSD is beginning a multi-year process to reduce overall spending and maintain our financial and operational stability. The school board is considering a budget adjustment recommendation from the superintendent for $12.6 million in reductions and efficiencies that coupled with current projected enrollment is expected to bring the district to a 5.3% fund balance for next fiscal year. This is above the board’s current policy of a 5% fund balance and in alignment with the board’s target of a 6% fund balance to start the 2026-27 school year. The board will vote on the recommendation at its May 11 board meeting.
These adjustments will be made through attrition, reducing department and building expenditures, staff reductions and shifting class sizes at the secondary level to a model moving closer to a prototypical class size.
CPSD is holding community budget forums across the district this winter and spring to share information and gather input. Click on the Budget Priorities Survey Link to complete the survey by May 8.
We invite our community to participate with us in the 2026-27 budget development process. Call the CPSD business services department at 253-583-5010 with questions or if you need accessibility accommodations or interpretation for any upcoming budget meetings.
2026-27 Budget Development Timeline
March 11: Community Budget Development Workshop
- 5:30 p.m., Student Services Center (SSC)
March 11 - May 8 Budget Priorities Survey
March 23: School Board Budget Workshop
- 5:30 p.m., SSC
April 16: Community Budget Development Workshop
- 5:30 p.m., Rainier Elementary School, 2410 Stryker Ave., JBLM Main
May 13: Community Budget Development Workshop
- 5:30 p.m., SSC
May 26: School Board Budget Workshop
- 5:30 p.m., SSC
June 22: School Board Workshop – Draft 2026-27 Budget
- 5:30 p.m., SSC
July 13
- 2026-27 Budget Public Hearing: 5 p.m., SSC
- Board Consideration of 2026-27 Budget: 6 p.m., SSC
The Student Services Center is located at 10903 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood, WA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these reductions happening now?
These reductions are not a result of the school district; they are a result of external financial pressures. Thanks to Clover Park School District’s responsible and conservative financial management, we have been able to more accurately project enrollment levels for basic education funding and leverage the use of our ESSR funds to sustain supplemental resources, all while absorbing escalating costs due to chronic underfunding and unfunded mandates.
Unfortunately, expenditures are outpacing revenue based on various factors such as increased costs for insurance, materials and services, as well as state underfunding and budget cuts, and the volatility of federal funding. The district is implementing multi-year adjustments to maintain our fiscal stability over the long-term.
Why is state and federal funding so unpredictable?
The state legislature allocates funding to school districts annually, which means it can fluctuate from year to year based on the state’s economy and political and other factors. The district monitors funding throughout the year and makes adjustments to meet financial responsibilities.
Currently, the federal government has stated that it is considering revising how it allocates Title funding and how much is allocated for these and other federally funded programs and grants. As a result, the district has already made some reductions to staffing funded by federal Title dollars.
How will these reductions affect the classroom?
CPSD has prioritized efficiencies through changes in our operations and processes, which include reducing spending on supplies, materials and other services, and not filling certain positions after staff retirements or vacancies (attrition). CPSD is also shifting class sizes at the secondary level to a model moving closer to a prototypical class size, which is how schools are funded by the state.
Will these reductions affect staff?
Because 82% of the district’s expenditures is staffing, some reductions will need to be made. We value our employees, and we recognize the uncertainty this can create. Impacted staff will be notified directly, and we will follow the process outlined in their respective collective bargaining agreement or district policy to determine next steps and/or displacement.
Importantly, we are approaching this process with transparency and sensitivity. These adjustments are focused on maintaining long-term financial solvency and protecting our core work of student learning and operational stability.
Will there be more cuts next year?
Based on the projected long-term impacts of these external financial pressures, the district expects to make additional reductions over the next several years. CPSD will begin the budget review process this fall, continuing to monitor enrollment, costs and funding. Engaging the community will continue to be a priority as the district implements its budget development process.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about the district’s budget or the budget process, please contact the business services office at 253-583-5010.