Seattle School Board Approves $1.3 Billion Operating Budget Amid Ongoing Teacher Contract Negotiations

The Seattle School Board has approved a $1.3 billion operating budget for the upcoming academic year. This decision comes as the district continues contract negotiations with the Seattle Education Association (SEA), which represents nearly 6,000 educators. Major unresolved issues include compensation, class sizes, workloads, and special education. The current contract expires on August 31, and teachers have authorized a strike if an agreement is not reached before the scheduled first day of school on September 2.