News
State's proposed cuts add to School District's 2011-12 funding gap
Seattle Public Schools faces a daunting budget gap of at least $40 million for the 2011-12 school year, as the state of Washington works to balance its budget in the face of a severe financial downturn. Funds for K-12 education have been cut this year and further cuts are proposed for the next few years. Although the District entered the current school year with a balanced budget, the Legislature has reduced funding for Seattle Public Schools by more than $3 million. The Governor’s supplemental budget proposes to reduce funding by about $2.28 million more. Seattle Public Schools will readjust its budget to finish the year "in the black" and will "make up" the difference through savings from a spending and hiring freeze.
Looking ahead to next school year (2011-12), in December 2010 the Legislature took actions that added $11 million to the District's budget gap. The Governor’s proposed budget reduces more funding, adding another $ 8.9 million to the budget gap. The final impact on Seattle Public Schools' 2011-12 budget is unknown until the Legislature finalizes a budget this spring. School District staff will continue to work with School Board members, families and employees to create budgets for next year. Currently, there is an estimated shortfall of at least $40 million, so gut-wrenching decisions and trade-offs must be made.
Seattle Public Schools will continue to keep communities informed as a budget is developed and thanks the more than 2,700 individuals who completed the December online budget survey. Results, as well as additional information and materials shared with the School Board, are posted on the budget development website. The next major public discussion of the 2011-12 budget will occur 4-8 p.m., Jan. 12 at a School Board workshop.