RICHLAND, Wash. – The Richland School District is pursuing an apportionment advancement to help with their budget.
The Richland School Board met on Tuesday, where they discussed the budget shortfall solution with their new financial director, Travis Belisle. The meeting focused on how an apportionment advance could provide some financial relief.
“I want to be very, very, very clear that this is not a loan. This is essentially us getting some money ahead of time,” said Belisle in the video.
An apportionment advance allows the district to receive funds ahead of schedule, which means they will take smaller payments throughout the rest of the year to balance the amount received early.
Belisle reiterated that the advance will only impact the district’s incoming funds, not total funds received.
“We’re not going to lose revenue. We’re not going to gain any revenue through apportionment advance. It’s just being given to us early,” said Belisle.
According to documents provided in the presentation, RSD’s expenditures are front-loaded towards the beginning of the school year. Since December of 2024, RSD has expended nearly 36% of their budgeted appropriations. To compare, the state has only distributed 31% in revenue, leaving a 5% gap.
Belisle says they’re only allowed to take 10% of the regular annual appointment, which would come out to roughly $13.5 Million.
