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

The Edmonds School District is grappling with a significant budget crisis, having made cuts totaling approximately $10 million to staff, services, and programs over the past year. Business and Finance Director Lydia Sellie reported that the district is projecting an $8. 5 million deficit for the 2025-26 school year, a decrease from the $10. 6 million deficit estimated for the current year. The district conducted a review of budget recommendations at a special board meeting in April 2024, confirming that all proposed cuts had been enacted.

While staffing reductions were necessary due to financial constraints, Sellie noted that adjustments are also made based on student enrollment and demand. The school board is expected to discuss a potential staff reduction plan that could affect 12 positions on April 15. As local education leaders continue to call for increased state funding, the district faces an education funding crisis that disproportionately impacts students and teachers. The urgency of these budgetary challenges highlights the critical need for legislative support to ensure adequate educational resources. The outcome of the upcoming discussions may shape the future of the district's staffing and program offerings.