January 21, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Redmond, Wash. – The Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental state budget could reduce revenue by an amount similar to last year’s budget shortfall. In response to the State’s $2.6 billion deficit, the governor proposed a “balanced” budget at the end of last month. The governor’s original budget proposal would mean $7.6 million in cuts for us. A second budget, based on new tax revenues and federal funds, was recently proposed by the governor. The total impact on LWSD if the governor’s second budget were to be implemented would be $7.4 million.

The largest cuts in the governor’s proposed budget come in areas that impact class size. The K-4 class size reduction funds, over $3.4 million for LWSD, would be eliminated. On top of that cut, the remainder of I-728 funding would be eliminated, or $2.3 million. Together these funding sources provide for 77 teacher jobs. This funding directly affects class size in the early grades and safety net support. Teachers would also lose one LID day under the proposal.

State dollars for programs for highly capable students ($213,000 for LWSD) and funding for junior high Career & Technical Education ($23,000 for LWSD) would be completely eliminated if the governor’s tax increase package is not included in the final legislation. The other major items that the governor proposes to bring back with a tax increase include levy equalization and state funding for all day kindergarten. Lake Washington School District does not get any money for either of those items.

The district will use an input process similar to last year to help determine where to make these additional cuts. Once again, options will include looking at alternatives to cutting the specific areas funded by the state cuts, keeping community priorities in mind.

Adjustments to the local levy lid could both increase and decrease the budget issues. One item included in the governor’s proposal was a reduced inflation factor, reducing it from four percent to two percent for 2011, which would reduce the district’s levy collections by $1.4 million. However, the governor also has suggested a potential raise in the levy lid to a maximum of 36 percent, which could affect that total.

The state House of Representatives and Senate will each propose a supplemental budget after the next revenue forecast, which is expected in mid February. The 60-day session is scheduled will conclude on March 11th, unless extended.

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About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District is a high-performing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the sixth largest district in the state of Washington, with over 23,000 students in 50 schools.