State funding reductions require Highline to make adjustments to some of our early learning programs next school year.
Reduced state funding and changes to the number of funded preschool slots available to Highline will require changes to both ReadyK and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for the 2026–27 school year.
ECEAP is a free, state-funded preschool program that serves eligible children and families. ReadyK is a no-cost, full-day program that helps prepare students for kindergarten, with priority given to students who may benefit most from additional early learning support.
Together, these programs provide important early learning opportunities for some of Highline's youngest learners.
Due to funding changes, Highline will offer fewer ECEAP spots next school year. The program will serve 266 students, compared to 330 this year. Highline must also reduce ReadyK from three classrooms to two.
These changes are the result of reduced state funding and the loss of temporary financial support that helped Highline sustain current service levels in recent years.
This is not a funding change Highline chose to make. Similar funding challenges are affecting districts across the region and state.
Budget Development Process
We’ve shared budget updates throughout the year to keep families, staff and community members informed about our budget development process. Here’s a look at what we’ve shared so far:
- July 2025: The School Board voted to place a levy renewal on the November ballot to help fill the gap in state funding.
- September 2025: We shared more detail about what the levy could support, including programs, services and staff not funded by the state.
- October 2025: Superintendent Ivan Duran shared we must reduce our 2026-27 budget by $8 million to maintain long-term stability.
- November 2025: Department leaders began reviewing budgets to identify potential reductions and efficiencies.
- December 2026: We shared our 2026 legislative agenda, a fully funding K-12 education in Washington state
- January 2026: We asked our community to give feedback on budget priorities as we align limited resources with our goals. We also shared enrollment projections for the 2026-27 school year.
- February 2026: We announced Central Office reductions including the elimination of 31.5 central office positions.
- March 2026: We shared that we are exploring a renewal of a capital technology levy as a continued source of local funding.
- April 2026: We shared why school districts across Washington are facing budget challenges and how the state continues to underfund public education.
- May 2026: We shared information about board work sessions and public hearing events in June.