Last month, we covered where the money for public schools comes from in Washington state. This month we’re focusing on checks and balances for spending. Here are some of the ways that BGPS’ finances are tracked and monitored:
Each year, we prepare an annual budget with a four-year plan and give the public a chance to review and comment on it. Then Educational Service District 112 reviews it and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction publishes the information for the public to review.
By law, a public school district in Washington must create an annual budget that is considered balanced. This means that the amount of money being spent is not greater than the combined total of the amount of money the district receives plus its fund balance.
Other accountability measures include:
Financial audits and accountability: In addition to the district’s internal audits, every year the state auditor’s office spends hundreds of hours combing through the district’s budget to ensure that the district is following state law and board policies, as well as protecting public funds. See the latest audit results.
Board meetings: The elected board of directors receives regular budget status and enrollment reports during public meetings and holds a public vote to approve the district’s budget. See how money will be spent in the 2025-26 school year.
Audit committee: An elected board member regularly reviews the district’s budget through meetings of the audit committee. The results are shared during public board meetings.
Website:
To provide transparency to taxpayers, B
GPS posts
on its website and shares the information in routine communication.