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Budget

We take seriously our responsibility to use public resources wisely. Our promise to the community is a balanced budget with a 6 percent reserve balance to ensure continued financial stability.

Each year, NTPS leaders create a budget, which the School Board reviews in July and adopts in August. The budget includes all district costs, such as employee salaries and benefits, supplies, facilities, information technology, transportation, and more. 

View our 2025-26 school year budget (PDF) and 4-year forecast report (PDF).

Funding is put into one of five accounts. Use of the funds is controlled by state and School Board rules and can only be used for these intended purposes:

  • General Fund: Covers many operating costs, such as staff salaries, curriculum, insurance, nutrition services, printing, and some transportation costs such as fuel.
  • Capital Projects Fund: Covers school buildings, equipment, energy, grounds, remodels, purchasing land, and technology.
  • Debt Service Fund: Money set aside to pay off debt from bonds.
  • ASB Fund: Student-driven, school supervised account. Money comes from student activities, fundraisers, yearbook sales, club dues, and ticket sales. School Associated Student Bodies then use the funds for cultural, athletic, recreational, or social activities.
  • Transportation Vehicle Fund: Used to purchase buses and other student transportation vehicles.

How does the district write its annual budget?

We follow a process each year to develop and monitor our budget. Our budget principles include aligning our staffing to student enrollment and contract agreements, and ensuring our use of resources aligns with our strategic plan goals.

This is the budget cycle:

January / February

  • Project how many students will be enrolled in NTPS the next school year.
  • Monitor the annual legislative session as they make decisions that affect school funding.

March / April

  • Work with principals and directors to assess teacher and other staffing needs for the next school year based on enrollment projections.
  • Work with departments to assess needs for the following school year.

May / June

  • Finalize school and department budgets.
  • Finalize the fee schedule (lunches and other fees) and submit the schedule to the School Board for approval.

July / August

  • Submit a draft budget to the Board at the July meeting.
  • In August, the Board holds a public hearing and adopts the budget.

Throughout the year

  • Principals and directors monitor their budgets.
  • Each month, district leaders report on the budget to the Board.

How do I learn more about public school funding?

The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction offers information about school funding. Visit their Understanding Public School Funding webpage to learn more.