"Education Program Reduction" on the Board Agenda

 Just throwing this up quickly.

One item on the agenda that was a bit of a mystery was the BAR called Education Program Reduction per Board Policy 0060. Basically it's a resolution by the Board when there are significant financial issues in the district and that the Board okays certain measures. Below is the important part:

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,

That the Seattle School Board of Directors directs the Superintendent to present a plan for balancing the budget for 2025-26 with the goal of transitioning to sustainable financial plans that aligns general fund expenditures with reasonably anticipated revenues in compliance with Board Policy No. 0060;


1. The Superintendent is directed to prioritize on-going solutions in the development of the
preliminary budget proposals for 2025-26 fiscal year;


2. These proposals may include some or all of the following on-going solutions:

 • Operational savings from the transition to a system of Well-Resourced
Schools
• Transportation changes
• Reducing, eliminating, or pausing programs
• Salary and/or benefit reductions for staff
• Central office reductions
• Implementation of fees
• School staffing reductions


3. The preliminary balanced budget proposals shall be presented to the Board on or around
January 22, 2025;

4. The preliminary balanced budget proposals shall include a scenario in which the District
receives no additional funding from the Legislature in the state’s adopted 2025-2027
biennial operating budget; 

5. The preliminary balanced budget proposals shall align with the goals and guardrails that
prioritize the critical functions of the District in pursuit and accomplishment of outcomes
for students, and that must guide what reductions in the District’s operations and
educational programs are made; 

6. The Superintendent is directed to continue to work with the Board to explore legislative
solutions; 

7. The Superintendent will take such action as may be required by law, collective
bargaining agreements, and Board policy to implement the plan, including notifying
employees who will be affected by the implementation of the Reduced Educational
Program; 

8. The Superintendent will, prior to the introduction of the 2025-26 District operating
budget in a Regular Meeting of the Board, update the Board on any significant variations
in necessary program reductions if the adopted Washington State 2025-27 biennial
operating budget results in a significantly different level of revenue for the District than
anticipated

 

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