During a recent Seattle Public Schools board meeting, officials discussed the pressing need for a budget proposal aimed at addressing a projected $94 million deficit for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Buttleman presented a resolution that will guide the superintendent in developing this budget, which is expected to be submitted in January 2025.

The district has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, with ongoing budget reductions totaling approximately $90 million. To maintain a balanced budget for the current school year, the district utilized its rainy day fund and borrowed from its capital fund. However, these one-time solutions are no longer viable, necessitating a shift towards sustainable, ongoing funding strategies.

Dr. Buttleman highlighted that about 63% of the district's funding comes from the state, emphasizing the importance of legislative support in bridging the budget gap. The board plans to advocate for increased funding for special education and pupil transportation during the upcoming legislative session.

Proposed measures to address the deficit include potential school consolidations, staffing reductions, and changes to transportation services. The board is also considering mandatory fees for extracurricular activities as a means to generate additional revenue. However, concerns were raised by board members regarding the impact of these budgetary decisions on student outcomes. They stressed the need for a budget that prioritizes educational quality and student support rather than merely focusing on financial numbers.

The resolution introduced by Dr. Buttleman aims to direct the superintendent to prioritize budgetary decisions that minimize negative impacts on student learning. The board is set to review the proposal further in December, with the goal of ensuring that the budget development process aligns with the district's educational objectives.