Shoreline adopts deficit budget and waives minimum fund-balance policy

What happened

The board adopted the 2026-27 budgets without changes from the July proposal, which projected a $9.4 million General Fund operating deficit and about $2.7 million ending balance.

Why it matters to families

The projected balance is about 1.3% of spending, far below the district-cited 8-12% healthy range, and only about $146,000 was described as unassigned. The district said a second deficit year could push the balance below zero.

The evidence

The August 25 official action summary says Resolution 2026-10 was adopted and Policy 7130's minimum General Fund balance was waived; it also says no changes followed the July budget presentation.

The source