The Kent School District will be holding a series of budget forums from March through mid-May that are designed to inform the public about current funding capacities, timelines, and needs and seek input on community priorities for spending and programs.

“We are in the people business and it’s big business,” said Richard Stedry, the district chief business officer. “For us to be successful in educating the community’s children, we must also be successful in effectively and efficiently stewarding the community’s money. These forums will help us explain the complexities, the opportunities and the limitations of public school budgeting, and also help us be better in tune with the public’s desired direction for our schools.”

Interim Superintendent Tony Apostle has also directed there be special outreach and engagement opportunities for the many cultures and languages of the Kent School District.

“As one of the most culturally diverse school districts in the state and country, it is important that we make special efforts to involve, inform, and learn from our entire community,” Apostle said. “School funding issues impact every home and every community in our service area. We want to hear from those impacted by the sometimes challenging decisions that must be made in the effective management of our public schools.”

A complete list of the budget forums planned can be found at: www.kent.k12.wa.us/KSDBudgetForums.