BISD Budget
Bainbridge Island School District · 2026–27 Budget
Back on Solid Ground
Two years ago the district spent more than it took in, and reserves had fallen to under a week of operating cash. This year's budget is balanced, reserves have nearly tripled, and our community renewed its support at the ballot box.
Board reserve target
The budget projects more than 17 days of cash on hand by August 2027, just short of the Board's 18-day minimum and a large step toward it.
At a Glance
Balanced budget
+$417,628
revenue budgeted above spending in 2026–27
Reserves rebuilt
$3.40M
projected fund balance, up from $1.25M in August 2025
Cash on hand
17+ days
projected for August 2027, near the Board's 18-day target
To the classroom
76.5%
of General Fund spending supports students and schools directly
The Turnaround
From a $2.5 Million Shortfall to a Balanced Budget
In 2024–25 the General Fund spent $69.2M against $66.7M in revenue, drawing reserves down to $1.25M. The 2026–27 budget reverses that: $72.4M in revenue covers $72.0M in spending, and the ending fund balance climbs to a projected $3.40M.
Revenue vs. Spending
2024–25 actual
Shortfall: −$2,478,838
2026–27 budget
Surplus: +$417,628
Ending Fund Balance
about 6½ days
about 17 days
Reserves are on track to land just short of the Board's 18-day minimum, a large step toward it under the three-year rebuilding plan in Board Policy 6022.
Goals Met
We Said What We Would Do, and Did It
Balanced the 2025–26 Budget
The district lived within its means and stopped drawing down reserves.
Passed a Supplemental Levy
In November 2025, voters approved a supplemental EP&O levy using new state levy capacity.
Adopted a Three-Year Plan
Revised Board Policy 6022 sets a responsible path to rebuild the fund balance while protecting programs.
Follow the Money
Where It Comes From and Where It Goes
Revenue: $72.4M
Spending: $72.0M
Green bars are spending in classrooms and schools: 76.5% combined. Central administration is 6.5%.
Debt and Taxes
Paying Down Bonds While School Tax Rates Fall
$20.8M
in bond principal repaid of $120.3M issued; $99.5M remains as of September 2026
$3.30 → $2.11
combined school tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value, 2015 vs. proposed 2027
36% lower
than the 2015 rate, even as the district modernized schools and technology
Planning Ahead
What We Are Watching
Solid ground doesn't mean we stop paying attention. Two pressures shape every budget decision.
Enrollment
Full-time enrollment is 3,286 this fall, down from 3,454 in 2024–25. State funding follows students, so the budget is built on current enrollment, not hoped-for growth.
State funding
Like districts across Washington, we work within chronic state underfunding of K–12. Local levies and partners like the Bainbridge Schools Foundation help close the gap.
Questions?
Thank You, Bainbridge Island
Have a question about the budget? Send a message to Chief Financial Officer Kim Knight. The full board-approved F-195 budget is available from OSPI.
Source: BISD 2026–27 Citizen's Guide to the District Budget. 2024–25 figures are actuals; 2026–27 figures are the adopted budget. Days of cash are based on annual General Fund spending.
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