Highline Public Schools is asking families, staff, students, and community members to share feedback as the district refines how it implements its Strategic Plan and prepares for approximately $8 million in budget reductions for the 2026–27 school year.
District leaders say state funding has not kept pace with rising costs, making community input essential as the district aligns limited resources with its priorities. Highline does not anticipate changing its strategic goals. Instead, officials say feedback will help determine how those goals are carried out, how progress is measured, and where budget reductions should have the least impact on students.
Highline’s strategic plan goals are:
- Culture of Belonging: A culture where all are welcome, valued and safe.
- Innovative Learning: Academic experiences that engage, empower and challenge every student.
- Bilingual and Biliterate: Multicultural skills that enable students to live, work and communicate across cultures.
- Future Ready: Students explore possibilities and develop mindsets that prepare them for a changing future.
Highline is collecting input through an online ThoughtExchange, open to everyone through February 13. The exchange takes about five minutes to complete.
Please note: unlike previous ThoughtExchanges, this version does not allow participants to see or comment on anyone else’s input.
What Highline is asking from the community:
- What success should look like in Highline schools
- Which programs or services should be prioritized as budgets tighten
- Where spending reductions may have the least impact on students
- How the district can improve future community engagement
In-person community meetings:
In addition to the online exchange, Highline is hosting in-person community meetings that include a brief overview of the strategic plan and the 2026–27 budget outlook, followed by structured opportunities to provide feedback:
- February 3 | 5:45–7:15 p.m.
Sylvester Middle School
16222 Sylvester Rd SW, Burien - February 9 | 5:45–7:15 p.m.
Madrona Elementary School
20301 32nd Avenue South, SeaTac
Community members who are not directly connected to Highline schools are encouraged to participate through the ThoughtExchange.
Your voice matters—but only if it’s heard.
