Shoreline School District presents draft plan to close $6.5 million shortfall; public appeals to spare counselors and custodial staff

The Shoreline School Board on April 1 heard a first reading of a draft reduced educational program from Superintendent Reyes and district finance staff, part of a plan the district says is designed to address a projected budget gap of about $6.5 million for the 2025–26 school year.

District leaders told the board the presentation was informational only and that the administration will return April 15 with a resolution for the board’s consideration. Assistant Superintendent Angela Van Essen said the district has modeled next year’s budget assuming expenditures will continue to exceed revenue and that several variables — including legislative action, enrollment and insurance and utility costs — could change the final numbers before the budget is adopted.

Why it matters: The district says the deficit stems from a mix of rising costs, enrollment-driven revenue declines, and funding levels that lag salary and benefit increases. Staff and community speakers said cuts already made in recent years have reduced supports students rely on and urged the district to find alternatives to eliminating student-facing positions.

What the district presented - The administration characterized the presentation as a first reading and a step toward a formal reduced educational program (REP) resolution to be returned for board action…