I thought this was a “private” school - not getting state nor federal money except for specific grant money for research into specific topics. Still, a HUGE source, but not enough to run everything like staff salaries and buildings and upkeep and janitors.
No indeed - Evergreen State is budgeted in Olympia and competes for money with other state schools such as UW and WSU. Old budget data are archived here. Tuition 40%, State appropriations 29%, State and federal grants, 17%. The remainder is charges for sales and services.
The Prez has to run interference with the state Governor and the Board one one hand and the faculty/staff on the other. The latter are insisting on collective management. I suspect that that's one reason the candidates balked.