Superintendent reports limited state increases in budget proposal; district assessing impact

Superintendent Ivan Duran delivered the district update at the May 7 meeting, highlighting recent activities and a summary of the legislative budget release. Duran said the budget had been released but not yet signed by the governor and that it included minimal increases for special education and material, supplies and operating costs but no additional funding for transportation.

"Although some progress was made towards fully funding basic education, the final budget was reduced considerably before being finalized. And we received minimal increases in special education, material supplies and operating costs and no additional funding for transportation," Duran said.

Duran thanked event organizers and noted the Highline Schools Foundation had reached its fundraising goal the prior week, raising $100,000. He said the district will have its budget team evaluate the impact of the lower-than-expected state funding on long-term projections and said prior board leadership on reductions had helped the district avoid immediate additional cuts this year.

Duran also reported district engagement work, including meetings with the Muckleshoot tribal partners and participation in a Pacific Northwest education and workforce panel; he said the district plans to collect student input on cell phone usage through a student survey to inform any potential policy recommendations. The board did not take immediate budget action during the meeting; staff said analysis is ongoing.