Diane reported that the December ending fund balance was 6.27%. Actual state apportionment begins in January, and an increase in revenue is anticipated as a result. It was noted that the District experienced a decrease of nearly three student FTE from December to January.

Diane discussed that OSPI may implement a required minimum and maximum ending fund balance policy for school districts. She further recommended that the District consider increasing its own ending fund balance policy to at least 8.5% during the current year to strengthen financial stability.

Bob added that the State is considering the implementation of minimum and maximum fund balance requirements because it is no longer lending to districts, increasing the importance of maintaining adequate reserves.

Bob provided an update on the shared legislative priorities of WASA, WSSDA, and WASBO for the current legislative session. He reported that the associations are advocating for an increase to Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOCs) of $100 per student or $100,000 per district, whichever is greater.

Bob also shared that the organizations are requesting that essential services be exempt from the newly proposed sales tax, specifically including information technology services, professional development, and contracted services.

Additionally, Bob noted that the associations are addressing the growing concern of unfunded mandates, citing that at least 77 unfunded mandates have been enacted since 2018. Moving forward, the associations have agreed that they will no longer advocate for any legislation that does not include dedicated funding.

Juston updated the committee that the District is currently seeking bids for roof replacements at Franklin and Jefferson, with work anticipated to occur either this summer or next. He also reported that a portion of the roof at Sunnyside must be replaced, with an estimated cost of approximately $15,000.

Juston shared that solar panel installation is scheduled to begin in March at Lincoln Middle School, Pullman High School, Kamiak Elementary, and the Transportation Cooperative. Bob reminded Juston to ensure that appropriate safety and security protocols are in place while construction crews are on site.

Additionally, Juston noted that staff are beginning to actively explore grant opportunities related to turf installation at the high school. 

He also informed the committee that the Board approved the updated facilities use fee schedule at last night's meeting.

Juston informed the committee that the Aquatic Center has officially been sold and will now be known as the Schweitzer Wellbeing Center. He also reported that the Board accepted the Johnson Property bid at the previous evening’s Board meeting.

Juston noted that the Quist/Harms property was presented to the Board for discussion at the same meeting, with closing anticipated in February.

Bob acknowledged and thanked Diane and Juston for their work on the property transactions.

Jerrod provided a follow-up from the previous meeting regarding outreach to other school districts on de minimus amounts. He reported that most districts set individual de minimus amounts in the range of $25 to $35, with some districts allowing amounts up to $50. He also noted that some district policies distinguish between categories, such as allowing a $25 de minimus amount for students, with an additional $25 specifically for awards and recognition.

Jerrod further reported that no other district identified had a maximum de minimus amount per building, as is currently the case with Pullman School District.

Based on this information, the committee agreed to bring Procedure 3515P to the next Board meeting as an informational item, with proposed revisions to remove building-level limits and increase the de minimus amount to $50.