Edmonds School District slashed an estimated 8.6M worth of staff, programs in the past year

The Edmonds School District has faced a challenging financial landscape, with approximately $10 million in cuts to staff, services, and programs over the past year, as reported by Business and Finance Director Lydia Sellie. The district projects an $8. 5 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year, a slight decrease from the $10. 6 million deficit estimated for 2024-25. As the school board prepares to evaluate a potential staff reduction plan that could impact 12 positions, Sellie emphasized that staffing adjustments are often made based on student enrollment and program demand.

The district's expenditure reductions include significant cuts across various programs, including the elimination of the fifth-grade band and orchestra, which alone accounted for $766,000 in savings. Furthermore, local education leaders are advocating for legislative support to address the ongoing funding crisis affecting schools in the region. As the state legislature approaches the end of its session, the urgency for increased educational funding has become a pressing concern for educators and students alike. With final budget estimates not expected until late June, the district continues to navigate uncertain financial waters. The decisions made in the coming months will have lasting implications for educational services in Edmonds.