Highline Public Schools will hold community budget workshops Saturday, May 1, 9- 11 a.m., at Hazel Valley Elementary and Tuesday, May 4, 6-8 p.m., at Mount Rainier High School.

The state budget passed by the legislature recently cuts funding for public schools by $120 million. The cuts are not as deep as predicted early in the legislative session, but Highline still faces a budget shortfall of approximately $3.4 million.

After several weeks in special session, state lawmakers finally agreed to a revenue package that includes a tax increase on beer, pop, bottled water, candy, and cigarettes; establishes a temporary business surcharge on services; and closes tax loopholes for out-of-state businesses. The revenue will help plug the $2.8 billion hole in the state budget, sparing schools and other state services from drastic cuts.

"The cuts are not as bad as they could have been," reported Superintendent John Welch. "However, we are still facing significant cuts on top of the $10 million we have had to slash over the past two years. We don't have a lot left to cut."

District leaders are preparing a list of potential cuts. Staff, students and community members will have an opportunity to give feedback on the cuts at the two budget workshops in May. The workshops will follow a format similar to those held last year, in which participants prioritize potential cuts. That input will be considered by the superintendent and school board as they make the final decisions about what expenses to reduce or eliminate.

The goal of the school district is to minimize the direct impact on students and teachers. However, it is virtually impossible to make budget cuts that do not impact schools and classrooms in some way, according to district administators.

The state budget preserves funding for lower class sizes in kindergarten through third grades. Unfortunately, I-728, which funded some classroom teachers and other student achievement measures, was completely eliminated. Funding for teacher training and professional development was also cut.

However, funding for all-day kindergarten in high-poverty schools will continue at current levels.

The state budget includes $5.1 million for Race to the Top and other education reform measures. It also provides additional funding for replacing school buses.