Superintendent Welch and school district staff are in the process of analyzing the state budget and determining its impacts on next year’s funding. Fortunately, the final budget did not cut public school funding as deeply as some proposals the legislature considered. Still, significant cuts will need to be made to Highline’s budget.

Over 70% of Initiative 728 funding was cut in the final budget. Those dollars pay for teachers, as well as math and literacy coaches. As a result, the district has eliminated all coaching positions. A limited number of math and literacy specialists will pick up some of the work previously done by coaches but with a redesigned role – helping teachers improve their instructional tools and practice. The district also was forced to eliminate 60 teaching positions, far fewer than original projections.

Superintendent Welch is currently looking at the list of proposed budget cuts, as well as suggestions from staff and community for additional reductions. His recommendations will be presented to the school board at its May 27 meeting.