As a result of the failure of Proposition 9, the replacement education and operations levy, the district will need to make significant cuts for the upcoming school year and beyond.

• Show me the details of the budget cuts

• Do a deep dive into the budget that was proposed for 2025-26

• See the draft 2025-26 F195 report

Budget approval

On Aug. 25, 2025, the district's board approved the 2025-26 budget. The budget reflects the district’s commitment to student learning and the financial realities of operating without local levy support. This includes significant use of the district’s fund balance, one measure of financial stability, to sustain operations. 

Most of the approved 2025-26 budget expenditure amounts are lower than in the previous school year. However, costs remain high due to unfunded mandates and rising prices for operational necessities such as utilities. The expenditures are necessary to meet state and federal requirements, as well as community priorities for student learning and student needs.

• Show me information about where the money will come from and where it will go

Looking ahead
Without renewed local levy funding, the district will face mounting budget pressures in coming years. If funding is not restored by 2027, BGPS will need to make up to $20 million in further reductions to staffing and student programs. In addition, the levy failure in 2025 will dramatically drop the financial health score, which indicates financial stability. Decreased financial stability also means increasing state control of district finances. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s authority to dictate or approve specific school district financial actions increases as the district’s financial situation worsens.

In accordance with state law, the district has developed a four-year budget estimate (F195F) including a four-year enrollment projection.

The Washington State Auditor’s Office spent more than 340 hours reviewing Battle Ground Public Schools’ finances. The state auditor confirmed that BGPS followed state laws and district policies approved by elected school board members. Moreover, public funds were well-managed and protected. The audit revealed no fraud, significant errors or misuse of funds. Learn more.

The state of Washington is constitutionally responsible for fully funding the costs of basic education but even after reforms (the McCleary “solution”), the state’s efforts aren’t keeping up with actual expenses. See the core issues.

The term "fund balance" is often used when talking about school district finances. Get an overview of what a fund balance is and how it is used.