Board approves 2025–26 budget, capital facilities plan and transitional bilingual program funding

The Orting School District Board of Directors approved the 2025–26 budget and several routine resolutions at its regular meeting. Board members voted to approve the budget (Resolution No. 7.2024-2025), adopt the capital facilities plan (Resolution No. 3.2024-2025) and fund the district’s transitional bilingual program for the 2025–26 school year.

Why it matters: Board approval of the budget and capital facilities plan authorizes planned spending and affirms the district’s facility needs and impact‑fee advocacy. The transitional bilingual program approval followed reports of a large year‑over‑year increase in students requiring bilingual instruction; the board discussed the program’s rising costs and the obligation to educate students who enroll in the district.

What the board approved and how members voted: A motion to approve items 1 through 5 on the consent agenda passed with an oral voice vote: “All in favor? Aye. Motion passes,” a board member said. The board then approved Resolution No. 3.2024‑2025 (capital facilities plan) and later passed the 2025–26 budget by voice vote. The board also approved the transitional bilingual program for the 2025–26 school year and a surplus property request; each motion carried on affirmative voice votes.

Financial and program details: The superintendent and staff told the board that the district will continue to press Pierce County elected officials to raise the county impact fee; Executive Director Cliff Fries said the district’s estimate of the cost to create a student seat is about $50,000 while the current impact fee is $4,595. The superintendent and board members discussed that assessed valuation growth in the district has lowered the projected tax rate for the proposed bond because new development increases the tax base; the superintendent said 21% of current assessed valuation comes from growth over the last four years.

Transitional bilingual program: Director Lee (memo author) prepared a memo describing a 45% increase in students requiring transitional bilingual services in one year and the board noted the program’s added cost. A board member said, “We are obligated to educate every student that walks through the door,” and the board approved funding for the program for 2025–26.

Other items: The June 2025 financial report was presented with no substantive concerns; the board noted the IT team is slightly over budget. The board approved a surplus request to remove outdated or excess district equipment and furniture.

Quotes and attribution: “I move to approve resolution number 3. 20 24 20 25 for the capital facilities plan,” a board member said before the board voted. On the increase in bilingual students, the board referenced a memo prepared by Director Lee and discussed the district’s growing language diversity; one board member said, “So we have to remember that our community, as well as our schools, have become more diverse.”

Distinction between discussion and action: The budget and resolutions were formal actions approved by voice vote; the bond presentation earlier in the meeting was informational only and did not result in a ballot placement vote at this session.

Next steps and transparency: The superintendent reminded the public that BoardDocs and other reports are public and that fact‑and‑question resources on the district website have been updated; the board indicated staff would continue outreach about capital needs and the proposed bond.