Seattle Public Schools facing multimillion-dollar deficit

SEATTLE — Officials with Seattle Public Schools are hearing from students and parents as the district considers budget cuts.

SPS is facing a $131 million deficit.

Most of the proposed cuts are to the central office. SPS says it would save an additional $11.2 million by making cuts to school-based staff.

Another proposed cut is to Washington Middle School’s band program.

Some students who spoke up during Wednesday night’s school board meeting expressed how cutting the music program creates an issue instead of solving one.

“You might think you’re making this cut to one program in one school but you are not. Not only will it limit the capacity of Washington’s incredible music program, these cuts will compound the issue of declining enrollment in Garfield High School’s nationally recognized music program,” said Garfield student Silas Collins.

The superintendent said the district recognizes the significance of the music program and made it clear that the district will continue to work toward a solution.

The school board voted unanimously to have the superintendent present his proposals for the upcoming school year’s budget.

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