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Longview School District

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Longview, WA, USA

District Financial Overview

Welcome to Longview Public Schools

At Longview Public Schools, our commitment to student success and long lasting community partnerships remains strong, especially amid today’s uncertain school funding environment. Like many school districts, we are adapting to rising costs driven by inflation and a decrease in student enrollment following the pandemic. Through strategic financial management, we have successfully navigated these challenges while maintaining our commitment to students and staff.

Looking ahead, the Washington State Office of Financial Management projects a $10-$12 billion state budget deficit, meaning school district funding may not be prioritized by the state legislature this year. Our district remains dedicated to providing student's a high-quality education while managing resources responsibly to support every student’s learning journey.

Financial Highlights from the 2023-24 School Year

  • Rising Costs Due to Inflation: Inflation-driven cost increases presented significant budget challenges as the price of goods and services continued to rise. Essential operational costs such as supplies, utilities, insurance and technology have increased dramatically over the last several years. During the 2023-24 school year, state funding fell approximately $1.725 million dollars short of covering our district’s actual costs for maintenance, supplies, and other non-payroll expenses. 

  • Enrollment Impact on Funding: Student enrollment is a critical factor in the state’s school district funding formula. Lower-than-planned student enrollment in the 2023-24 school year reduced district revenue compared to the budget. Enrollment remains about 4 percent below pre-pandemic levels of 6,488 students. (See enrollment chart below.)

  • Use of Federal ESSER Funds: During the 2023-24 school year, the district used one-time federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to cover budget shortfalls, support academic programs, and stabilize operations. These funds were fully spent by the deadline at the end of the 2023-24 school year and are no longer available.

  • End-Fund Balance Management: The school district financial end fund balance is the money remaining at the end of the year after all expenses have been paid. Managing expenditures to maintain an adequate end-fund balance is both challenging and essential. The district’s actual end-fund balance for the 2023-24 school year finished lower than budget by ($663,437) or (6.3%). The end fund balance includes restricted dollars and prepaid assets that cannot be used for operating expenses, so only a portion of the dollars are available to support ongoing operations. 

  • Maintaining Financial Health: Monthly fluctuations in state revenue require a healthy end-fund balance to avoid costly borrowing to fund payroll and operating expenses while ensuring ability to handle unexpected costs.

Looking Ahead

The district remains in sound financial shape but faces ongoing challenges in maintaining the minimum end-fund balance required by the School Board. For the 2024-25 school year, the School Board approved spending an estimated $1.6 million from the 2023-24 end-fund balance to cover state funding shortfalls, ensuring continued support for students and staff.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Longview Public Schools. Together, we remain committed to building a strong future for every student.