CHENEY – As the Cheney School District gears up for three measures on the Feb. 13 ballot, including two levies and a bond, officials are grappling with financial challenges exacerbated by inflation and property value assessments.
During the Jan. 24 School Board meeting Finance Director Jamie Reed delivered a sobering presentation highlighting the district’s financial state. Reed emphasized the need to address the district’s fund balance, currently sitting at 7%, with hopes of reaching 8% by year-end.
“Inflation has significantly impacted our operations,” Reed said. “State funding hasn’t kept pace with the rising costs, and many school districts across the state are facing similar challenges.”
Reed underscored the importance of upcoming levies, stressing that the district had been deliberate in its approach to secure funding. One concern highlighted during the meeting was the disparity in property value assessments.
Board member Mark Scott raised the issue.
“Some properties have increased by 10-30%, which significantly impacts the cost of levies,” Scott noted.
Reed acknowledged the lack of control the district has over property valuations.
“We really haven’t found a good solution for that,” Reed lamented. “There needs to be more communication, but we don’t have much influence.”
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