It’s been a whirlwind year for the Bainbridge Island School District, but the new year could lead to calmer times.
In her last public communication of the year, BISD superintendent Amii Thompson shared that the district has finally reached its “true bottom line” and is able to start fiscal planning in earnest.
She also announced a series of focus groups starting in 2025, with over 1,000 slots available for attendees. “The purpose of these meetings is to hear what you most value at [our district] and learn your ideas for ways to increase revenue and areas for possible reductions,” Thompson said.
As for the funding problems, what began as a nearly $400,000 negative balance in October is actually about negative $35,400, she said, though that number may still fluctuate due to new or unexpected expenses. BISD may also need to take out a third loan from its capital projects fund in order to make payroll over the summer.
“While our budget picture is difficult for this school year, next school year, and likely 2026-27 as well, we also are grateful to actually know where our true bottom line is so that we can make an action plan that does not continually change due to finding budget ‘surprises,’” Thompson wrote. “We are committed to remaining the relational, caring, collaborative, student-centered district that we are proud of and finding ways to create a balanced budget and regain financial stability now and in the future.”
Financial director Kim Knight discovered a leak in the BISD fund balance in late October that had been draining its savings. Payments from the previous two years that were completed, but not recorded, misrepresented the district’s financial situation.
Officials proposed a freeze on hiring, spending and some paid committee work, and authorized two loans from its capital projects fund in November. Staff and leadership continue to look for ways to close the gap. The District Budget Advisory Committee, a group of BISD employees and community members, is expected to deliver an initial recommendation for reductions this month.
