Seattle School Board approves $1.3 billion budget as teachers union authorizes strike

The Seattle School Board has approved a $1.34 billion operating budget for the 2026-27 school year. This decision comes as members of the Seattle Education Association (SEA) overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if a new contract agreement is not reached with the district. The potential strike could delay the scheduled September 2 start of school for students, with major unresolved issues including compensation, class sizes, workloads, and special education.