Federal Way Schools Face Deep Budget Cuts For Next Year

The national and state budget crises are deep, and we are already seeing a local impact. Based on Governor Gregoire’s proposed state budget, the state’s level of funding to Federal Way schools – and to all districts in the state -- in the coming school year will be significantly less than what is needed to maintain current levels of service.

This means that the amount of money that Federal Way Public Schools expect to receive from state, federal and local funding sources for the 2009-2010 school year will not be enough to pay for everything the district currently funds.

This will require difficult reductions in the district’s operating budget for the coming school year, which begins in September 2009. We know that families, FWPS staff and the entire community are very concerned. There are many questions – some of which can’t be answered yet. Until the legislature and the governor finalize the state’s two-year budget in late April 2009, we are using what we do know to prepare for a minimum shortfall of $5 million.

Superintendent Murphy and his staff will spend the next few months providing information to staff, parent groups and community organizations about the extent of the funding reductions, collecting comments and suggestions related to strategies we might utilize to address the impact on staffing and programs.

We have prepared some information that may help you understand the situation and issues we face in the next few months. As more is known, we will update the budget information on the FWPS website, www.fwps.org/info/budget. You can also provide us with your comments and suggestions on the site.

What can you do?

• Encourage your state elected officials to fully fund K-12 by writing, calling or emailing your state representatives and state senators – this info is available on the State of Washington website at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rosters/Members.aspx

• If you have ideas on how the district can save money, send your suggestions to budget08@fwps.org or write Federal Way Public Schools Budget ’08, 31405 18^th Ave S., Federal Way WA 98003

The Superintendent’s recommendation will be presented to the Board on April 28. The community will have opportunity to comment on these recommendations until the end of June when the board will adopt a budget. Dates will be announced when the schedule is finalized.