Budget Reductions
As shared earlier this year, Highline must reduce next year’s district budget by $8 million. Most of these reductions are being made to central office expenses to avoid direct cuts to schools as much as possible.
Get the details at the upcoming Highline School Board work session and public hearing.
School districts across Washington state continues to navigate financial challenges. Years of inadequate state funding and rising costs create difficult decisions for public schools statewide, including in Highline.
The proposed budget insulates students and classrooms as much as possible. However, we recognize reductions at this depth will affect the level of service schools receive.
Throughout this school year, Highline has led a transparent and community-informed budget development process focused on maintaining long-term financial stability while continuing to prioritize student learning and support.
Budget Presentation – Work Session
You are encouraged to attend of tune in to the School Board Work Session to learn more about the district budget development process and budget for 2026-27 school year.
Wednesday, June 3
4:45 - 5:45 p.m.
Public Comment – Public Hearing
In addition, you are encouraged to attend or tune in to our Public Hearing where community members may make public comments on the budget.
Wednesday, June 24
4:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Both take place in the Central Office Boardroom, located at 15675 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien. You can also watch online at highlineschools.org/board.
Budget Development Process
We share clear updates throughout the year to keep staff, families, and our community informed. Here are the articles we have shared so far:
- July 2025: The School Board voted to place a levy renewal on the November ballot to help fill the gap in state funding.
- September 2025: We shared more detail about what the levy could support, including programs, services and staff not funded by the state.
- October 2025: Superintendent Ivan Duran shared we must reduce our 2026-27 budget by $8 million to maintain long-term stability.
- November 2025: Department leaders began reviewing budgets to identify potential reductions and efficiencies.
- December 2026: We shared our 2026 legislative agenda, a fully funding K-12 education in Washington state
- January 2026: We asked our community to give feedback on budget priorities as we align limited resources with our goals. We also shared enrollment projections for the 2026-27 school year.
- February 2026: We announced Central Office reductions including the elimination of 31.5 central office positions.
- March 2026: We shared that we are exploring a renewal of a capital technology levy as a continued source of local funding.
- April 2026: We shared why school districts across Washington are facing budget challenges and how the state continues to underfund public education.