Yakima School District Moves Forward Stability Plan Amid Statewide Enrollment And Funding Declines -04/15/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kirsten Fitterer, Chief Communications Officer
Yakima School District
www.YSD7.org/media

Yakima School District Moves Forward Stability Plan Amid Statewide Enrollment and Funding Declines

Yakima, WA — In response to significant economic challenges impacting public education across Washington state, the Yakima School District is advancing a long-term stability plan to safeguard student services, maintain financial health, and ensure continued delivery of high-quality education.

Like many districts statewide, Yakima has experienced declining enrollment and rising operational costs that have outpaced state funding adjustments. As full-time equivalent student enrollment decreases, funding tied to that enrollment also drops—limiting available resources. Simultaneously, inflation has increased the cost of essentials such as electricity, fuel, and insurance.

The district has proactively responded with disciplined planning. In 2024, Yakima School District implemented $22.5 million in reductions, with administrative overhead now ranked the lowest in Yakima County and among the lowest statewide. For the 2025–2026 school year, additional approved reductions are designed to avoid deficit spending, rebuild reserves, and preserve essential services.

To protect the district’s financial stability amid these ongoing pressures, the Yakima School District Board of Directors has approved a Reduction in Force (RIF) of approximately 43 full-time equivalent positions for the upcoming school year. While 97 staff members received notice, the final impact reflects 43 FTEs—many of whom are expected to be recalled based on retirements, staff mobility, and final legislative funding outcomes. Nearly all certificated staff affected during the 2024–2025 RIF/Recall process were ultimately reinstated.

This local action reflects a broader statewide trend. The Edmonds School District is confronting an $8.5 million deficit, with cumulative reductions totaling over $34 million in three years. Camas, Bellevue, and Puyallup are also enacting deep budget cuts, staff reductions, or both—each responding to a shared challenge rooted in an inequitable state funding model.

Superintendent Dr. Trevor Greene emphasized that “even the most disciplined budgeting cannot solve structural underfunding without broader legislative solutions.” Governor Bob Ferguson has signaled a potential $16 billion state budget shortfall, underscoring the urgency for coordinated action. The City of Yakima is also addressing financial constraints through community town halls and budget planning.

Despite the financial headwinds, Yakima School District remains committed to student-centered innovation. This year, the district earned statewide recognition as Washington’s Large District School Board of the Year. Signature programs include:

• The award-winning Student Voice Fellowship, empowering youth to co-design district initiatives
   

• The Early Learning Equity Fellowship, in partnership with the University of Washington
   

• Ongoing success of the Dual-Language Education initiative, now in its fourth year
   

• Districtwide gains in student attendance through proactive engagement strategies
   

The district is also expanding College in the High School and dual credit programs, creating new pathways to higher education for first-generation and historically underserved students. Through partnerships with Central Washington University and Yakima Valley College, the district is aligning academic programs, expanding advising, and removing barriers to college success.

“Through it all,” Dr. Greene noted, “we deeply value the service and professionalism of our staff. With transparency, compassion, and a relentless focus on students, we are positioning Yakima’s schools for long-term success.”