The Hood River County School District (HRCSD) Budget Committee met on April 29, 2025, at Hood River Valley High School to review and approve the proposed budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

At the meeting, Jamie Smith was unanimously elected Budget Committee Chair and Terra Metta was elected Vice Chair. Superintendent Bill Newton and Chief Financial Officer Mark DeMoss presented the proposed budget, outlining key topics including the school district’s strategic plan, long-term budget sustainability, staffing and enrollment assumptions, equity-based budgeting decisions, and financial planning related to state school funding, PERS rates, and revenue sources.

Following committee deliberation, the Budget Committee approved the proposed budget of $101,861,888 by a 9-3 vote. Additionally, the committee approved the imposition and categorization of ad valorem taxes, including the school district’s permanent tax rate of $4.8119 per $1,000 of assessed value, the $1.25 local option levy, and a general obligation bond levy of $5,232,600, by an 11-1 vote.

With the budget approved, the previously scheduled May 6 budget meeting has been canceled. The approved budget will move forward to the HRCSD School Board for adoption in June.

The approved 2025–26 budget and official meeting minutes are available on the school district’s website at https://www.hoodriver.k12.or.us/departments/business-services/budget