BPS receives Meritorious Budget Award, Navie La Tray named Rising Professional

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has recognized Bellingham Public Schools with a pair of accolades as the finance department earned ASBO’s Meritorious Budget Award while accounting manager Navie La Tray was honored by the state’s chapter of the national organization with a Rising Professional Regional Scholarship.  

Bellingham Public Schools has now earned the Meritorious Budget Award in each of the last two years (2025-26 and 2024-25). 

ASBO International’s Meritorious Budget Award program sets the standard for excellence in school budget development and communication.  

Designed to help school business professionals enhance financial planning skills, the program ensures that district budgets are not only comprehensive but also accessible and informative for stakeholders. The national recognition celebrates the district’s commitment to clear, transparent, and high-quality budget presentation, reinforcing its dedication to responsible financial stewardship. 

The BPS finance team includes accounting, budgeting, contracts and procurement, purchasing, payroll and risk management.  

The department leads the district’s work to produce an annual Final Budget (budget book) which can be viewed on the budget web page. 

The Washington Association of School Business Officials announced its 2026 Rising Professional Regional Scholarship recipients on November 5, 2025, and BPS accounting manager Navie La Tray was honored as the Region 189 recipient. 

Region 189 includes 35 school districts spanning Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties.  

As an honoree, La Tray is recognized for showing exceptional drive, leadership and a commitment to growing in the school business profession. Learn more about the scholarship.  

“Navie has a strong background in auditing and federal compliance and is a rising star in our business during a time when it is difficult to find and retain committed, talented employees like her,” Chief Financial Officer Kathryn Weilage said.  

As a recipient, La Tray earned complimentary registration and association membership to support the next WASBO Annual Conference. 

Weilage said attending the conference will help La Tray as she expands her knowledge of school budgeting and fiscal planning.  

“I’m delighted Navie is receiving this recognition! She’s an amazing colleague and it’s exciting to see her grow to benefit her career and our district,” Weilage said.