It is a combination of increased expenses, staffing costs related to cost of living raises and a reduction in funding.

We budgeted a deficit of $11M this year 2022-23 (planning to spend down some fund balance), which will actually be closer to $15M. The current 2023-24 deficit estimate is $28 - 38 million.

We must look at all spending, including personnel. There will likely need to be layoffs, although at this time we are not certain how many. If layoffs are necessary, the district will partner with labor associations regarding contract obligations and work with affected staff to ensure as much notice as possible is given. Some reductions could come through attrition and by eliminating vacant positions. 

We must look at all spending, including the option of administrative furloughs. Although we are focusing on reductions for the 2023-24 school year, Cabinet is taking a 5-day furlough this spring (2023) to help start reductions early.

We cannot use money we receive from property sales to reduce the budget deficit projected for our general (operating) fund. All funds we receive from property sales must be deposited into our capital fund which is not facing a projected deficit. By law, capital funds must be spent purchasing, constructing or equipping capital projects such as new schools, additions, modernizations, HVAC and roofing system replacements, and technology systems.

Long range forecasts can be impacted by changes in the economy, cost of living variables, decisions by the legislature and other factors over which we have no control. Budgets are made with predictions and assumptions that often must be adjusted along the way.

The district is soliciting feedback from parents, staff and community and will make a recommendation based on cuts that will have the least impact on instruction in the classroom. The recommendation goes to the superintendent who then will review and make a recommendation to the school board. The school board has to approve the final list of reductions.

Everett is one of many districts in north King and south Snohomish counties where the market is highly competitive. The district is committed to providing an equitable cost of living that is competitive with surrounding districts and works to recruit and retain the best staff.

There will be cost reductions, and it will likely affect all budget areas. The district is working with many different stakeholder groups to prepare a reduction proposal for the superintendent, who will then finalize a reduction plan for the board’s review.

The sooner we can reduce expenses, the greater the impact will be over time, so making cost reductions now will be helpful. 

The district will need to reduce additional/supplemental programs to support the unfunded mandates.

We are uncertain if the Legislature will help resolve the school funding issues and are realistic in our expectations as well. We are looking at how to work within the current funding situation without legislative intervention.

The district has historically seen improved performance even during times of reduction. We will continue to focus on each student and look for reductions in places that will have the least effect on student performance.

The goal is to see spending reductions that likely have little, if any, impact to students. 

The levy funding will start coming in April 2023. That money is replacing funding that expires in December 2022. It does not consider the inflation on goods and services, cost of living variables, and the change in interest rates.

The school district is committed to maintaining a stable tax rate and monitors a 20-year outlook to ensure stability over time.

There will be cost reductions, and it will likely affect all budget areas. We will continue to focus on each student and look for reductions in places that will have the least effect on student performance. We won’t know exactly where the cuts are until spring 2023.

There will be cost reductions, and it will likely affect all budget areas. We will continue to focus on each student and look for reductions in places that will have the least effect on student performance. We won’t know exactly where the cuts are until spring 2023.