A stronger financial foundation helps protect student programs when unexpected costs arise or when revenue changes.
During the first year of the district’s Strategic Plan, Kalama increased its fund balance from 2% to 5% and adopted a policy establishing a 36-day operating reserve. In practical terms, this gives the district greater flexibility to respond to changes in costs or revenues.
The work reflects the Strategic Plan’s Integrity in Action guiding principle, which calls for efficient operations, responsible financial stewardship and transparent communication.
Kalama’s longer-term goal is to reach a 10% fund balance by the 2028-29 school year. The district will work toward that goal over several years while balancing today’s student needs with long-term financial stability.
Financial stewardship also means looking for ways to make local resources go further. During Year 1, Kalama secured outside funding to support facility, energy-planning and cybersecurity needs. Read more about those investments in Bringing More Resources to Kalama Schools.
As the district moves into Year 2 of the Strategic Plan, maintaining a stronger financial foundation will help Kalama plan responsibly, respond to changing conditions and continue directing resources toward students, staff and schools.