Bellevue Schools Foundation shifts mental health approach amid $20M budget cuts

The Bellevue School District's recent board meeting on February 6, 2025, highlighted significant budgetary challenges that will lead to substantial changes in staffing and mental health support services for students. As the district grapples with a projected $20 million deficit, officials outlined a series of cuts aimed at balancing the budget while attempting to maintain essential services.

One of the most notable shifts discussed was the reallocation of mental health resources. Instead of providing direct services to students, the district plans to employ mental health coordinators who will work alongside community-based providers. This change will streamline mental health screenings, reducing them to once in middle school and once in high school, rather than annually over five years. The district aims to enhance partnerships with organizations like Asian Counseling Referral Services to ensure continued support for students, despite the financial constraints.

The meeting also addressed staffing reductions across various roles. The district plans to cut 3 to 5 family engagement specialists while eliminating the summit program and halving tutoring services, resulting in a reduction of approximately 23 to 31 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. This move is expected to save between $3 million and $4 million.

In terms of administrative staffing, the district will reduce the number of assistant principals by 12 to 16, primarily in elementary schools. While some positions will be preserved in schools with larger student populations, many schools will face cuts due to insufficient state funding. The district's approach mirrors that of neighboring districts, which are also making similar reductions.

Class sizes are anticipated to increase as the district aims to meet collective bargaining agreement targets. This could result in larger class sizes, particularly in elementary schools, where the average class size may rise by one student. Secondary schools may also see an increase of one to two students per class, potentially leading to the cancellation of smaller elective courses that do not meet enrollment thresholds.

The district's strategy includes maximizing caseloads for non-classroom certificated staff, such as special education teachers and specialists, which could lead to a reduction of 10 to 20 positions. Additionally, classified staff reductions are planned, with an average of one position cut per school, focusing on equity to protect higher poverty schools.

Overall, the Bellevue School District is facing a challenging financial landscape that necessitates difficult decisions regarding staffing and student services. While the reductions aim to address immediate budgetary concerns, the long-term implications for student support and educational quality remain a significant concern for the community. The district's leadership has expressed a commitment to restoring services as resources become available, indicating that these changes are not intended to be permanent.