The budget director for Highline Public Schools has issued a "call to arms" to community members asking them to contact state legislators protesting proposed steep cuts in school funding.

"Legislators don't want to hear from administrators or teachers," business services executive director Susan Smith Leland declared at the April 13 school board meeting. "They want to hear from families and community members. They want to hear from the grassroots.

"We need your help."

She promised, "We will let the community know how they can communicate with the Legislature."

Leland was reacting to separate education budget proposals from Gov. Chris Gregoire, House members and Senate members.

She was particularly upset by the state Senate budget unveiled April 12 that included a 3 percent cut in teacher pay and a plan to take funding from school districts when students skip school.

Leland noted the 3 percent reduction proposal "blew us out of the water." The proposal is unprecedented in her 26 years working in school districts, according to Leland.

She noted the proposal would slash 3 percent from state funds to districts after they have already negotiated teacher contracts.

"It forces districts to solve state budget issues at the local level," Leland said.
She also termed the proposal to reduce funding through student attendance figures as "just a way to cut basic education funding."

The idea would inequitably impact schools from high-poverty, diverse and multi-lingual communities such as Highline, she said. Only two of the district's schools have less than 50 percent of students who qualify for free or reduced meals.

Board member Susan Goding countered that many minority parents have asked for funding to be tied to attendance.

Leland estimated Highline averages about 3 percent unexcused absences. The proposal could mean $2.7 million cuts for Highline, she added.

Leland estimated last month that the district faces a $5.6 million to $6.7 million budget shortfall.

The state Legislature must agree on a budget before adjourning. The Legislature is scheduled to end April 24.

Superintendent John Welch is slated to make his budget recommendation on May 25 with a public hearing on June 22. The board is aiming for budget adoption on Aug. 10.

Board members also heard pleas from several district employees and two students to retain secondary school librarians and counselors.

Evergreen librarian Joanne Glasgow said teacher librarians are part of the "three-legged stool" of education along with classroom teachers and school counselors.

Highline Education Association president Stacie Hawkins also questioned a district initiative to adopt a new math curriculum for elementary students. The teachers union chief said the switch could cost up to $3 million.

Hawkins said $3 million could pay for 37.5 certified teachers or 72 classified employees or eight days of professional development for all district certified staff.