SPS Budget Information Session Summary

On Monday, March 20, Seattle Public Schools presented information on the district’s budget deficit and its budget planning strategies for the next school year.

You can watch the 40-minute webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt3fj_-9XQQ

Assistant Superintendent for Public Affairs Bev Redmond moderated a panel with Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, Interim Deputy Superintendent Fred Podesta, and Associate Superintendent Dr. Concie Pedroza.

Dr. Jones began by outlining the causes of the $131 million budget gap, including declining student enrollment and persistent gaps in state basic education funding. Mr. Podesta addressed the strategies the district is taking to address the budget gap, including $33 million in central office reductions, $11 million in school-based reductions, and $63 million drawn from district reserves. Dr. Pedroza discussed the district’s long-term plan to develop “well-resourced schools,” which have sufficient resources and enrollment to meet student needs. 

Ms. Redmond emphasized that no school closures/consolidations are planned for 2023-2024. The district will begin community engagement in fall 2023. School closures/consolidations are likely in 2024-2025 due to continuing enrollment declines.

Learn more at: Funding Our Future – Seattle Public Schools (seattleschools.org)