成人X站

MYNORTHWEST NEWS

How will the Edmonds School Board cover a $10M shortfall?

Mar 19, 2024, 3:52 PM | Updated: Mar 20, 2024, 11:30 am

Photo: A $100 bill...

Time is running out to submit a claim for a chicken and canned tuna lawsuit filed by the Washington State AG's Office. (File photo: Matt Slocum, AP)

(File photo: Matt Slocum, AP)

The Edmonds School Board held a meeting Tuesday night to discuss how it plans to cut more than $10 million. Although the district hasn’t voted on anything yet, it said it will continue the discussion in an upcoming study session.

“The 2024-25 budget will be challenging,” writes the .

More background: Stakeholders upset about $15m budget cuts at Edmonds schools

The district said it will have to reduce its budget by $10.6 million, or 2.65%.

As a result, the arts and music programs could face more cuts, .

Why does Edmonds School District face a budget shortfall?

“The state does not fully cover all of our district’s required expenses,” .

The district laid out a few reasons for the shortfall: $10.2 million was legally required for special education services, $3.8 million for certified and classified substitutes, $3.7 million for required staff salary increases and $2.3 million for required district insurance and cost of utilites.

ESD said funds come from a few different sources such as state funding, local taxes, grants, donations and federal funding.

However, voters might wonder why there is still a shortfall when a bond and levy were just passed.

To which ESD wrote, “It is important to understand voter-approved bonds and technology/capital levies have funding restrictions and can only pay for the cost to replace old schools, build new ones, fund certain technology needs, and provide other long-term upgrades to buildings. These funds cannot be used for the general operating (day-to-day) costs of the district.”

District leaders send letter to state legislators

In December, ESD Board President Dr. Nancy Katims and President of the Edmonds Education Association Andi Nofziger-Meadows .

The letter reads in part:

We appreciate your ongoing support of PK-12 public education and your e铿orts to address the needs of our students, sta铿, and schools. We know there are competing priorities across the state, and we are grateful for legislation that has been passed over the last several years to support public education. Unfortunately, despite these e铿orts, school districts across the state are facing a huge 铿乶ancial crisis that requires urgent attention.

Some examples of budget de铿乧its faced by school districts this past spring include estimates for Seattle — $131M; Northshore — $21M; Spokane — $16M; Edmonds — $15M; Tacoma — $10M, to name a few. Districts have worked hard to balance budgets for this year, and as a result, class sizes have increased, courses and programs cut, jobs at all levels lost, and schools closed. We aim to continue to work within our means, but we need help to ensure the students of Washington State have access to a quality public education, no matter where they live.”

More Edmonds news: Video shows armed robbery of postal worker

Edmonds schools make $13M in cuts for 2023-24

However, for the 2023-24 year, ESD found a $15 million shortfall and made $13 million in cuts.

Districts can adjust tuition, fees, rentals and leases on the revenue side. On the spending side, they can adjust basic education, other instruction programs, alternative learning experiences and districtwide support, .

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories聽here. Follow Julia on X, formerly known as Twitter,聽聽and email her聽here.

MyNorthwest News

This pickup became wedged between vehicles on I-5 in Fife, after the driver tried to outrun state t...

Tom Brock

Washington State Patrol “Smokey” aircraft tracks down reckless driving suspects

A Washington State Patrol law enforcement aircraft helped arrest two reckless drivers overnight.

7 hours ago

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders says this DUI suspect refused to obey commands and assaulted ...

Tom Brock

Thurston County sheriff assaulted during DUI arrest

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders says he was assaulted by a DUI suspect who threw a drink in his face and grabbed him by the throat.

11 hours ago

Fatal crash involving fire engine...

Frank Lenzi

One dead after crash involving fire engine in North Seattle

One person is dead after a crash involving a vehicle and a fire engine, Seattle Police said. The collision occurred near North 128th Street and Aurora Avenue North. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. According to 成人X站7 News, a Seattle Fire Department ladder truck was making a […]

15 hours ago

Image: Starbucks founder and former CEO Howard Schultz testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C...

Frank Lenzi

Howard Schultz encourages Starbucks workers to support new leadership’s plan

Amid declining sales, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is urging employees to support the company鈥檚 new leadership and turnaround plan.

17 hours ago

speed cameras...

MyNorthwest Staff

‘Want more speed cameras?’ Bellevue asks residents for feedback

Bellevue is inviting community members to provide feedback on a proposal to expand its speed safety camera program, aiming to eliminate serious traffic crashes.

17 hours ago

Microsoft...

MyNorthwest Staff

Microsoft lists dishwashers, roofers among jobs least threatened by AI

A recent Microsoft report highlights a growing divide in job security between blue-collar workers and desk-based employees amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).聽

18 hours ago

How will the Edmonds School Board cover a $10M shortfall?