Highline has identified $1.83 million in initial budget reductions for the 2026–27 school year as part of an $8 million reduction plan. These first steps focus on leadership actions and central office efficiencies, with more decisions ahead.

We are updating how we carry out and measure progress on our strategic plan, while keeping our goals in place. As we plan for a reduced budget, we invite families and students to join engagement sessions on January 20, February 3, and February 9 to share feedback and help guide our path forward.
 

Highline students are growing as readers, problem-solvers, collaborators and leaders. The 2024-25 annual report shows what that growth looks like in real classrooms, and how it happens when students are known by name, strength and need. 

We’re excited to welcome students and families back after winter break. Winter brings colder weather—and with it, colds, flu and other seasonal illnesses. Staying healthy helps students stay engaged in school, and every day of learning builds confidence, connection and progress.

At Highline, we’re building systems that help every student succeed, whether they need extra help, a challenge or individualized care. That includes how we support students' health and wellbeing during the school day.  This year, the Health Services Department is taking an intentional, data-informed approach to how school nurse offices operate.

January is School Board Recognition Month, a time to recognize the dedication of our school board members. Their leadership shapes the future of Highline Public Schools and supports every student’s success.

In recent weeks, a handful of safety incidents at our schools have received significant attention in local media and on social media. We know these situations can be unsettling, and we want to share more about how and why we communicate the way we do during an emergency.

We know there are rumors circulating on social media about a threat against Cascade Middle School. Our Community Safety Department was notified about the threats on Wednesday. They immediately began investigating and notified local l law enforcement. It was determined that the threat was not credible.  

Students who read with confidence can learn new ideas faster, participate more fully in class, and express themselves with greater ease. This year’s work across Highline centers on helping every student in every grade build strong reading, writing and language skills.  Here’s an update on how schools are helping students become stronger readers, writers and communicators this year. 

We are urging state lawmakers to take meaningful action on literacy, special education funding, transportation, operating costs and school facilities. With minimal progress in the 2025 session and a short session ahead, we are joining districts statewide in calling for targeted investments where they matter most. To maintain long-term stability amid rising costs and insufficient state funding, Highline will reduce its budget by about $8 million for 2026–27 so we can stay focused on students and learning.