Last night, The Seattle School Board unanimously approved a $577.7 million budget that reflects $45.5 million in cuts, including the elimination of 90 central office positions and unpaid “furlough” days for non-represented central office staff.

The newly approved budget represents the third year of significant budget cuts for the district, which had to address shortfalls of $34 million in 2009-10 and $31 million during 2010-11.

“While this budget process has been difficult, we have worked hard to protect funding that directly affects our classroom and the academic achievement of our students,” said Seattle School Board President Steve Sundquist in a press release.

As a result of the central office cuts, the District’s central administration has been reduced from 9 percent to less than 6 percent of the overall budget, making SPS consistent with other Puget Sound-area school districts.

“I want to thank our staff for their willingness to take unpaid furloughs during these difficult economic times,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield. “It reinforces our commitment Districtwide to ensuring that as many dollars as possible are directed to our classrooms and to ensuring that every student is successful.”

There are two budget-related bright spots: First, the District increased by $3.35 million its Weighted Staffing Standard (WSS), which ensures equitable staffing levels at elementary, middle and high schools Districtwide. Second, it allocated approximately $2.1 million for boosting student performance at schools with the highest needs.

Given the magnitude of the budget shortfall – the result of significant education funding cuts by the Washington State Legislature – the District was unable to completely avoid
impacting schools. SPS made the difficult decision to eliminate elementary school
counselors and also delayed the purchase of instructional materials for high school science, high school social studies, middle school language arts and elementary music.

In addition to the 90 central office jobs, earlier this year SPS cut 27.5 certificated employees and 27 full-time classified staff positions. The District is also saving $4.6 million by moving to a three-tiered transportation system that will reduce the number of buses used to pick up students, requiring staggered school starting times.

And for the first time ever, SPS has also implemented mandatory furloughs for non-represented central office staff. The furloughs, which will save the District $188,000, will include four days off for management-level employees and two days off for non-management workers. Negotiations are underway with District labor partners to discuss additional cost savings.