Oak Harbor Public Schools, like many districts, is experiencing pressure from rising costs, unfunded laws, declining enrollment, gaps in state funding, and uncertainty at the federal level. The proposed Washington State budget continues to signal shortfalls in state funding, which makes up more than 70 percent of our district’s operating budget.

While our recent levy helped stabilize our schools and close part of the gap created by state and federal funding limitations, it does not resolve the larger, systemic funding challenges facing public education. Since 2022, Oak Harbor Public Schools has reduced approximately 12 million dollars in operating expenses. Although we remain more financially stable than many districts, we are still in a position that requires careful adjustments to staffing and program service levels so they align with our available resources.

We continue to pursue every opportunity to ease this funding shortfall through advocacy, collaboration, and fiscally responsible planning.

As we enter our fifth year of difficult budget decisions, our work remains grounded in our strategic plan and strengthened through partnership with our Budget Advisory Committee, leadership teams, and labor groups. We are committed to transparency, collaboration, and thoughtful decision making that keeps students at the center.

This page will be updated with more information as we work through the 2026-2027 budget development process.