Highline Public Schools will begin refining its strategic plan this winter while also preparing to reduce its budget by about $8 million as part of development of the 2026 and 2027 budget, according to information released by the district this week.
District officials said recent levy approval, polling and survey results show strong alignment around existing goals and the Highline Promise. As a result, the district does not anticipate changing its four strategic goals, priority areas or Promise, but said it will focus instead on how those goals are implemented and how progress is measured.
Highline, like many school districts across Washington and the nation, faces funding challenges because state funding has not kept pace with rising costs, the district said. Officials said disciplined financial decisions over many years have kept the district financially stable and able to remain focused on students and learning, but a budget reduction of about $8 million is planned to maintain that stability.
As part of the refinement process, the district will seek feedback from families, students, staff and community members to help clarify priorities and align limited resources with strategic goals and budget development, according to Highline Public Schools.
To gather input, the district will host three in person engagement sessions for families and students, with families from any school invited to attend any session. Interpretation services and light refreshments will be available, the district said.
Family Engagement Schedule
- Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Cascade Middle School, located at 11212 10th Ave SW in Seattle.
- Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Sylvester Middle School, located at 16222 Sylvester Road SW in Burien.
- Monday, Feb. 9 from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Madrona Elementary School, located at 20301 32nd Avenue South in SeaTac.
During the sessions, participants will receive an overview of the strategic plan and the reasons for the update, a brief budget update, an explanation of what feedback is being sought and structured opportunities to share perspectives, according to the district.
Highline Public Schools said separate engagement sessions will be held for staff.
For those unable to attend in person, the district plans to launch an online feedback opportunity next week for staff, families, students and community members to provide input on strategic plan refinement and budget priorities.
The district said a link will be shared when the online option becomes available.
Learn more about the district’s Strategic Plan here.
Maybe stick with education as the focus instead of whilly nilly efforts to fly every flag and not hurt everybody’s precious feelings. Kids need to leave school smart and capable not ignorant to the reality that life is fair and it’s really up to you.