The Mukilteo School District held its regular School Board meeting on December 10, 2024, focusing on critical funding issues affecting the district. The meeting addressed three primary funding priorities that have significant financial implications for the district's operations.

The first priority discussed was the funding of special education services. Despite recent legislative investments, the district continues to face substantial shortfalls, funding only about 25% of the mandated services, which has resulted in a local levy expenditure of approximately $12 million over the past year. Over the last five years, the district has incurred nearly $50 million in costs due to inadequate state and federal funding. The board urged the legislature to reconsider the funding model, specifically advocating for the removal of the enrollment cap on special services and adjustments to the safety net threshold for high-cost student services.

The second priority highlighted was the rising costs of materials, supplies, and operational expenses. The district expressed gratitude for past legislative support but noted that inflation has outpaced these increases, particularly in areas such as liability insurance and utilities. The district reported a gap of $6.9 million over the past five years in funding for these essential resources, emphasizing the need for more substantial financial support to keep pace with inflation.

The third priority introduced this year was the full funding of required staff leave. Currently, the district receives funding for only four days of substitute coverage per classroom teacher, while classified staff do not receive any funding for sick leave. This has led to significant financial strain, as the district must cover the costs of substitutes and accrued sick leave for staff, amounting to a total of $73.7 million in unfunded state and federally mandated services over the past five years.

The board noted that the lack of adequate funding has forced the district to make approximately $31 million in budget reductions over the last two years. These cuts have impacted class sizes, student support services, and extracurricular opportunities. The board emphasized the importance of advocating for specific funding needs to ensure that the district can meet its obligations and provide quality education.

In addition to funding discussions, the meeting included a review of policy revisions related to the acceptance of completed projects. The revisions aimed to clarify legal requirements and procurement methods, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Overall, the Mukilteo School District's meeting underscored the pressing need for legislative action to address funding disparities and support the district's educational mission. The board plans to continue its advocacy efforts to secure the necessary resources for its students and staff.