Seattle School Board Approves Budget as Educators Authorize Strike

The Seattle School Board has approved a $1.34 billion operating budget for the 2026-27 school year. This approval occurs concurrently with Seattle Education Association members voting to authorize a strike if a new contract isn't reached before the September 2 school start. Key unresolved issues in negotiations include compensation, class sizes, workloads, and special education funding, indicating potential significant disruption.