Financial Services
NTPS Financial Services provides financial information and policy recommendations to the Superintendent and School Board, including assistance in identifying ways to secure the necessary funding to meet the district's educational goals while maintaining a stable fund balance. Our goal is stability and integrity.
Audits: NTPS undergoes an annual audit by the state of Washington and has consistently received a clean bill of fiscal health. The audit report is public information and can be accessed through the State Auditor's website.
Contact us: financialservices@ntps.org
What we do
Accounting
The Accounting Office ensures internal controls effectively maintain the integrity of financial records and safeguard District assets. They develop the school system's budget and financial reports for the Superintendent and the Board.
Functions & Activities
The following functions are performed in support of district operations:
- Deposits cash receipts and records revenues
- Monitors cash flow and investments associated with available cash resources
- Records District expenditures in accordance with state and federal requirements
- Provides formal fiscal reporting and related financial information to district managers, the public, and state and federal agencies
- Acts as district liaison to the Washington State Auditor’s Office
- Acts as custodian of district financial records, and steward of district assets
We account for our activities in a number of funds, including:
- General Fund — Where all “regular” district activities are accounted for.
- Capital Projects Fund — Where major construction projects and funds associated with our Bond Issues are accounted for.
- Associated Student Body Fund — Where student activities and athletic fees are accounted for.
- Debt Service Fund — Where all payments on Long-term Debt are made. Repayment of bonds is accounted for here.
- Transportation Vehicle Fund — Used to buy or for major repairs of school buses.
- Trust Funds — Where all trust funds provided to the district are accounted for. This includes scholarship and foundation funds.
Accounting Forms
Accounts Payable
The Accounts Payable Office ensures that all vendors are paid for services provided in a prompt manner and that all payments are properly approved and supported.
Our mission is to:
- Ensure that all vendors are paid in a prompt manner; and
- Ensure that all payments are properly approved and supported.
- Each month, we process more than $1 million in payments to our vendors for the goods and services they provide. To ensure proper internal controls, we require that someone from the district verify receipt of the goods and services before payment is issued. This can sometimes cause a delay in the payment of our invoices, but we generally pay all our invoices within 30 days of receiving the goods. If you have experienced a delay of longer than 30 days, please contact Financial Services at financialservices@nthurston.k12.wa.us.
ASB
Budget
Each year, NTPS leaders create a budget, which the School Board reviews 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 2024-25 school year budget (PDF) and 4-year forecast report (PDF).
North Thurston Public Schools recently completed its annual audit with the Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO). SAO reviewed the 2022-23 fiscal year, including accountability for public resources; financial statement for the district; and federal grant compliance. It was what is called a clean audit: SAO found no misstatements, no deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting, and no instances of noncompliance. These results reflect our efficient and accountable use of public funding!
Budget Updates
May 2025
NTPS continues building our proposed 2025-26 school year budget, which the School Board will consider for adoption this summer. Several budget updates:
- The Legislature has completed its 2025 session, including passing a 2025-2027 state operating budget. The state budget invests additional funding in special education and in materials, supplies and operating costs (MSOCs). In addition, the Legislature raised the lid on local levy collection, which allows districts to collect the full levy amount approved by voters in the most recent levy election, beginning in 2026.
- These resources will allow us to continue our current programs and services. We do not anticipate a significant increase or decrease in student numbers over the coming years. Enrollment is an important consideration as we build our budget and plan for school staffing.
- Over the summer, we will continue making improvements using funding from Capital Levy for Safety, Technology, and Facilities Improvement, which voters approved in February 2024.
- Our district recently completed its annual accountability and financial and federal audits with the Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO). SAO reviewed NTPS’s use of public resources from 9/1/2023 through 8/31/2024. It was what is called a clean audit: SAO found no misstatements, deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting, or instances of noncompliance. These results reflect our efficient and accountable use of public funding!
February 2025
NTPS has begun its work to prepare a 2025-26 budget. NTPS leaders are closely watching the current legislative session, and we've started our enrollment projections for this coming school year (see the enrollment and financial update presentation from the January 21, 2025, School Board meeting). Our Board of Directors has approved the 2025 NTPS legislative priorities, which focus on ensuring all students have equitable access to continuous learning opportunities, quality programs, and future success.
August 2024
The NTPS School Board approved the 2024-25 school year budget at the August 14, 2024, meeting. The budget includes funding for employees, equipment, and supplies, while maintaining a 6% fund balance to ensure continued financial stability.
Budget Process Timeline
January / February
- Enrollment Projections - how many students are enrolled at NTPS?
- The legislative session begins - we watch this closely as they make decisions that affect our funding.
March / April
- Analyze Certified staffing with principals & directors - teacher staffing needs
- Analyze Classified staffing with principals & directors - other staffing needs
- Analyze Department budgets - initial projected budget amounts given to departments
May / June
- Once all departments and schools communicate staffing needs, we send this total personnel budget to Human Resources.
- All departments and schools send us their final budgets based upon amounts given in March/April.
- Finalize the fee schedule (lunches and other fees) and send the schedule to the Board.
July / August
- Budgets from all departments and schools, including staffing, are compiled and sent as a draft to the Board.
- The Board reviews the draft, and a presentation of the draft budget is held in July.
- In August, the Board holds a public hearing and adopts the budget.
September / December
- Current year budget monitoring through monthly reporting to the Board of Directors.
- Current year budget monitoring by principals and directors.
Budget FAQ
Q: How do the different budget funds work?
A: The NTPS Budget is made up of 5 different Funds. What money goes to what fund is tightly controlled by state and board rules.
- General Fund: This is our main fund that covers everything else! All school districts are required to have one, and the revenue for this fund comes from local, county, state, and federal sources. It includes the rest of the operating expenses, including salaries, maintenance, printing, other transportation costs, and everything else. The Board requires we have 6% of this in reserve for financial stability.
- Capital Projects Fund: This is our building fund. This covers school buildings, equipment, energy audits, grounds, remodels, purchasing lands, technology, and even carpets and roofs.
- Debt Service Fund: This is the money set aside to pay off debt – bonds are debt to the county – we have to set aside money every year to pay down the voted debt (bonds).
- Special Revenue Fund: This is where ASB fee money goes. When you pay a fee for athletics, purchase tickets to a play, or other student function, that money goes into a closely-monitored, strictly-controlled fund. See ASB Fund Balance sheets for your school here.
- Transportation Vehicle Fund: Buses and transportation costs are completely separate. There is a mixture of Levy money (we have strict rules on what levy money can be used for what parts of transportation) and state money (the state helps with vehicle aging and depreciation costs).
Purchasing
Interested in doing business with NTPS?
Business Requirements:
- Business Name
- Contact Information
- WA Unified Business Identifier (UBI) #
- Federal Tax ID #
- Current W9
- Active Department of Revenue Account
- Liability Insurance Certificate (NTPS as additional insured)
Construction Public Work Requirements:
- WA State Contractor's License
- Additional Licenses (e.g. electrical)
- Surety Bond
- Labor & Industries account for prevailing wages and industrial account #
- Small Works Roster (NTPS Construction & Design)
Small Works Roster:
- List of licensed contractors who apply.
- Used for public works bid projects under $350,000.
- Reduces cost of bidding small projects.
- Makes it easier for contractors to compete for public works projects.
- A legal notice to contractors is advertised in The Olympian every fall.
- Learn more about our Small Works Roster process.
Minority & Women Owned Businesses:
NTPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to providing equal opportunity in the business community. Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are encouraged to participate in competitive procurements. The Washington State office of Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprises is the sole certifying entity for M/W/DBE’s in Washington state. To become a certified firm, visit www.omwbe.wa.gov
Bid & Quote Opportunities / Resources
Please contact NTPS Financial Services to be added to the vendor list or to obtain a copy of the current contract. 360-412-4529 or purchasing@ntps.org.
Currently, we are using a Washington State contract for district copier use and Cooperative programs for paper.
Requests for Proposals
District Agreements
- Cooperative Agreements
- Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2025-26
- Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2024-25
- Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2023-24
- Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2022-23
- Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2021-22
Cooperative Agreements
|
Organization |
Agreement Start Date |
|---|---|
|
1 GPA - Membership Agreement |
10/20/2021 |
|
Amazon - US Communities |
9/6/2017 |
|
BuyBoard Cooperative |
1/15/2019 |
|
City of Seattle |
7/24/2015 |
|
City of Seattle - Walter E Nelson |
10/1/2017 |
|
E&I Cooperative |
1/4/2011 |
|
ESD 112 - Letter of Intent |
6/1/2020 |
|
ESD 112 - Digital Edge |
6/22/2015 |
|
ESD 112 - Intergovernmental Purchasing |
6/30/2014 |
|
ESD 112 - PPE |
6/1/2020 |
|
General Services Administration (GSA) |
8/1/2016 |
|
HP NASPO Value Point |
9/1/2015 |
|
King County Director's Association |
2/16/1982 |
|
NASPO |
9/1/2012 |
|
NASPO - Verizon |
8/20/2019 |
|
NASPO - Contract |
|
|
National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance |
6/23/2014 |
|
National IPA / TCPN |
3/5/2015 |
|
National Joint Powers Alliance Co-Op - Mitel Sourcewell |
4/15/2016 |
|
NPP Gov |
3/30/2021 |
|
OETC |
5/24/2014 |
|
Omnia Partners |
5/1/2020 |
|
Puget Sound Educational Service District |
1/27/2017 |
|
Puget Sound Joint Purchasing Cooperative |
9/1/2015 |
|
Puget Sound Joint Purchasing Cooperative - Nutrition |
9/1/2018 |
|
Puget Sound Joint Purchasing Cooperative |
9/1/2020 |
|
Puget Sound Joint Purchasing Cooperative - Nutrition |
9/1/2020 |
|
SFSPac - Sole Source |
5/7/2018 |
|
Sourcewell |
|
|
Special T - GSA Contracts |
1/1/2015 |
|
US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance |
6/17/2014 |
|
Vancouver School District |
1/28/2014 |
|
Washington State Department of Enterprise Services |
7/18/2013 |
|
Washington Learning Source - Puget Sound ESD |
8/1/2017 |
|
WSIPC Cooperative |
2/12/2014 |
Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2025-26
| Organization | Agreement Start Date |
| Bates College | 9/1/2025 |
| City of Lacey School Impact Fee — Ordinance 1507 | continual |
| City of Lacey School Impact Fee — Resolution | continual |
| City of Olympia School Impact Fee | continual |
| ESD 113 — Advanced Learning & Diff. Network | continual |
| ESD 113 — Gravity | continual |
| ESD 113 — Government Relations | continual |
| ESD 113 — Threat Assessment Program | continual |
| Pacific Lutheran University — Data Sharing | continual |
| Puget Sound Joint Cooperative | continual |
| Region 8 Services Center | continual |
| St. Martin's University — Data Sharing | continual |
| South Sound YMCA | continual |
| Thurston County School Impact Fee — Ordinance 14819 | continual |
| Thurston County School Impact Fee — Resolution | continual |
| WSIPC | continual |
Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2024-25
| Organization | Agreement Start Date |
| Bates College | 9/1/2024 |
| Boys & Girls Club | 9/1/2022 |
| City of Lacey — Fun Fair | 5/17/2025 |
| City of Lacey School Impact Fee — Ordinance 1507 | continual |
| City of Lacey School Impact Fee — Resolution | continual |
| City of Lacey — July 3rd Spectacular | 7/3/2025 |
| City of Olympia School Impact Fee | continual |
| Clover Park Technical College | 9/1/2024 |
| Columbia Virtual Academy | 5/1/2025 |
| Department of Revenue — Student Work | 9/30/2023 |
| ESD 113 — Advanced Learning & Diff. Network | continual |
| ESD 113 — Early Learning Program | 9/1/2024 |
| ESD 113 — Gravity | continual |
| ESD 113 — Government Relations | continual |
| ESD 113 — Olympia Academy | 9/1/2024 |
| ESD 113 — Para Training | 9/1/2024 |
| ESD 113 — Threat Assessment Program | continual |
| ESD 113 — True North | 9/1/2024 |
| Pacific Lutheran University — Data Sharing | continual |
| Puget Sound Join Cooperative | continual |
| Region 8 Services Center | continual |
| St. Martin's University — Data Sharing | continual |
| South Bend School District | 1/27/2025 |
| South Sound YMCA | 9/12024 |
| Tacoma School District | 9/1/2021 |
| Thurston County School Impact Fee — Ordinance 14819 | continual |
| Thurston County School Impact Fee — Resolution | continual |
| Virtual Prep Academy Washington | 1/27/2025 |
| WSIPC | continual |
Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2023-24
| Organization | Agreement Start Date |
|
Bates College |
|
|
Boys & Girls Club |
|
|
Capital Forest Cooperative Preschool - Early Learning Preschool |
|
|
Central Washington University - College in the High School |
|
|
City of Lacey School Impact Fee - Ordinance 1507 |
continual |
|
City of Lacey School Impact Fee - Resolution |
continual |
|
City of Olympia School Impact Fee |
continual |
|
Clover Park |
|
|
Department of Revenue - Student Work |
|
|
ESD 113 - Advanced Learning & Diff. Network |
|
|
ESD 113 - Gravity |
|
|
ESD 113 - Healthy Youth Survey |
|
|
ESD 113 - Paraeducator Training |
|
|
ESD 113 - PGE Early Learning Center |
|
|
ESD 113 - Sound to Harbor Head Start & ECEAP |
|
|
ESD 113 - True North |
|
|
New Market Skills Center |
|
|
Nisqually Tribe - Early/Head Start |
|
|
Pacific Lutheran University - Data Sharing |
|
|
Puget Sound Joint Cooperative |
|
|
South Puget Sound Community College - Data Sharing |
|
|
St. Martin's University - Data Sharing |
|
|
Thurston County School Impact Fee - Ordinance 14819 |
continual |
|
Thurston County School Impact Fee - Resolution |
continual |
|
University of Washington - College in the High School |
|
|
Washington State University - School District Principal Certification |
|
|
Yelm Community Schools, Olympia School District, Tumwater School District, North Thurston Public Schools |
|
Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2022-23
|
Organization |
Agreement Start Date |
|---|---|
|
Bates College |
9/1/2022 |
|
Boys & Girls Club |
9/1/2022 |
|
City of Lacey School Impact Fee - Ordinance 1507 |
continual |
|
City of Lacey School Impact Fee - Resolution |
continual |
|
City of Olympia School Impact Fee |
continual |
|
City University of Seattle |
9/1/2022 |
|
Clover Park |
9/1/2021 |
|
Department of Ecology |
2/1/2020 |
|
ESD 113 - Advanced Learning & Diff. Network |
9/1/2021 |
|
ESD 113 - Gravity |
9/1/2021 |
|
ESD 113 - Government Relations / 0062-1819 |
9/1/2022 |
|
ESD 113 - Paraeducator Training |
9/1/2022 |
|
ESD 113 - PGE Early Learning Center |
9/1/2022 |
|
ESD 113 - True North & Healthy Youth |
9/1/2022 |
|
New Market Skills Center |
9/1/2022 |
|
OSPI - CACFP |
9/19/2022 |
|
OSPI - Child & Adult Care Food Program - Boys & Girls Club |
9/7/2022 |
|
OSPI - Child & Adult Care Food Program - South Sound YMCA |
9/9/2022 |
|
Puget Sound Joint Cooperative |
9/1/2022 |
|
St. Martin's University Data Share |
9/1/2022 |
|
Tacoma School District |
9/1/2021 |
|
Thurston County School Impact Fee - Ordinance 14819 |
continual |
|
Thurston County School Impact Fee - Resolution |
continual |
|
University of Washington - College in the High School |
9/1/2022 |
|
Washington State University - School District Principal Certification |
9/1/2021 |
|
WSIPC - Amendment IEP Online Connect |
4/5/2021 |
|
WSIPC - Amendment IEP Online Translation |
4/5/2021 |
Interlocal/Interdistrict/Interagency Agreements 2021-22
|
Organization |
Agreement Start Date |
|---|---|
|
Bates College |
9/1/2021 |
|
Boys & Girls Club - Data Share |
6/1/2019 |
|
Boys & Girls Club |
9/1/2018 |
|
Boys & Girls Club - RMAC Usage |
6/1/2020 |
|
Central Washington University |
9/1/2021 |
|
Central Washington University - MOUS & Data Share |
1/15/2022 |
|
City University of Seattle |
7/1/2021 |
|
Clover Park |
9/1/2021 |
|
Department of Ecology |
2/1/2021 |
|
Eastern Washington University - MOU & Data Share |
1/15/2022 |
|
ESD 113 - COVID Testing |
3/8/2021 |
|
ESD 113 - Gravity |
9/1/2021 |
|
ESD 113 - Highly Capable Support |
9/1/2021 |
|
ESD 113 - PGE Early Learning Center |
9/1/2021 |
|
ESD 113 - Student Enrollment Data Entry Services |
8/25/2021 |
|
ESD 113 - True North |
9/1/2021 |
|
ESD 113 - True North and Healthy Youth |
9/1/2021 |
|
Health Care Authority |
10/1/2020 |
|
Nisqually Tribe Early Head Start |
9/1/2021 |
|
North Thurston Education Foundation |
3/27/2018 |
|
OSPI - New Market |
9/1/2012 |
|
OSPI - Teacher of the Year Program |
1/1/2022 |
|
OSPI Child Nutrition Programs |
continual |
|
Pacific Lutheran University - Data Share |
10/21/2021 |
|
Pacific Lutheran University - Guaranteed Admissions Program |
11/10/2021 |
|
SPSCC College in the High School |
7/1/2020 |
|
SPSCC Data Share |
6/1/2021 |
|
Tacoma School District |
9/1/2021 |
|
University of Washington |
9/1/2021 |
|
Washington State University - School District Principal Cert |
9/1/2021 |
|
Washington State University - MOU & Data Share |
1/15/2022 |
|
Western Washington University |
12/7/2021 |
|
WSIPC - Progress Track and Data Collection |
9/1/2021 |
|
WSIPC - amendment IEP online connect |
4/5/2021 |
|
WSIPC - amendment IEP online translation |
4/5/2021 |
Surplus
The district disposes of obsolete surplus items using the WA Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Surplus program. They handle the pricing, sale, and distribution of items to other schools, state agencies, and the public from their website. More information: https://des.wa.gov/services/buy-surplus and RCW 28A.335.180
Definition of Surplus: Items in a school or department that are no longer used or needed, but are still in usable condition. The useful life of these items has been exceeded; therefore, the items have been declared surplus and are for sale. Many items will still work, although they no longer meet efficiency or safety standards for public school use.
Surplus Process
- The district warehouse collects surplus items.
- A surplus list is created and sent to the School Board for approval.
- The surplus list is sent to the Department of Enterprise Services Surplus for processing.
- DES Surplus advertises, prices, and sells items to schools, state agencies, and the public on the district's behalf.
Persons or entities interested in acquiring some of the district’s surplus items can contact DES surplus on their website: https://des.wa.gov/services/buy-surplus
Warehouse Deliveries
Hours: 7:00 am–2:00 pm
NTPS Service Center
6620 Carpenter Road SE
Lacey, WA 98503
360-412-4529