Hood River County School District (HRCSD) is launching its annual budget development process for the 2026-27 school year and is inviting staff, families, and community members to participate in upcoming public forums.

Each year, the school district undergoes a rigorous process to build a balanced budget that aligns with the school board’s strategic priorities and student needs. These forums are designed to provide transparency and ensure that community voices help shape the district's financial roadmap.

“Our annual budget is a reflection of our community's values,” said Superintendent Bill Newton. “While our business services office monitors our fiscal health year-round, these sessions are the critical point where we invite the public to see the initial projections and provide direct input before the budget is finalized.”

District leadership will provide a comprehensive overview of the budget development cycle, including current revenue projections and anticipated expenditures. Each session will feature a formal presentation followed by a period for questions and public input.

Forum Schedule

Wednesday, March 4, 2026: Hood River Middle School

• Staff Session: 4pm to 5pm
• Community Session: 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Thursday, March 5, 2026: Wy’east Middle School

• Staff Session: 4pm to 5pm
• Community Session: 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Budget Committee Meetings

Following the public forums, the HRCSD Budget Committee will meet to review the proposed budget in detail. These meetings are open to the public and will take place at Hood River Valley High School from 6pm to 8pm on the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 28, 2026
• Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The school district remains committed to a transparent and collaborative process as it prepares for the upcoming academic year. Members of the public who are unable to attend are encouraged to visit the district website for budget materials and future updates.