Education
The Highline School Board approved a $658 million Budget for the 2026-27 school year and updated the Strategic Plan. They voted to place a $595 million school construction bond and $48 million technology levy on the November ballot, and extended the superintendent's contract to three years during its Wednesday, July 1 meeting.
All five Highline School Board members were present. Superintendent Ivan Duran participated virtually.
There were no special presentations. Superintendent Duran opened the meeting by reaffirming that Highline Schools will continue to support 'transgender athlete students' regardless of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, saying the district will continue to follow state law.
During board reports, Director Blaine Holien spoke about his experiences during 'A World Cup Match,' Pride month, belonging, and community engagement. Director Angelica Alvarez highlighted Mexico's World Cup victory and the sense of unity it created locally.
President Joe Van confirmed that starting August 1, directors would receive quarterly updates of donations, grants, and contracts. Updated Policy 6101 "streamlined internal processes" by increasing the board approval threshold from current $250,000, up to $500,000. Several contracts - up to $1,000,000 - will no longer require board approval.
No board members mentioned the United States' World Cup victory, the upcoming Fourth of July, or America's 250th anniversary.
Five people provided public comment. Three spoke in support of the proposed bond, while two called for greater district accountability.
All action items passed unanimously, 5-0.
2026-27 Budget Approved
The board approved the district's 2026-27 budget, including a $449 million General Fund (over $26,000 per student) and approximately $208 million across the district's other four funds.
Strategic Plan Approved
The board approved the district's Strategic Plan for 2026-2031, largely based on the previous plan goals, but with community engagement "refinements."
2026-31 Strategic Plan goals and descriptive outcomes:
1. Culture of Belonging: A culture where all are welcome, valued, and safe.
2. Innovative Learning: Academic experiences that engage, empower, and challenge every student.
3. Bilingual & Biliterate: Multicultural skills that enable students to live, work, and communicate across cultures.
4. Future Ready: Students explore possibilities and develop mindsets that prepare them for a changing future.
Highline's Strategic Plan Dashboard was introduced in 2023
Here is one example showing the district's results on its "Student Growth in ELA" goal:
School Bond will be on November Ballot
The board approved placing the proposed school construction bond in the amount of $595.4 million before voters on November 3.
During the discussion, district administration and legal counsel explained how volunteers for the bond's pro and con committees were notified, how the opportunity was advertised (Seattle Times and district website), and how committee members were selected.
Director Damarys Espinoza said she had received numerous phone calls and emails from people who believed her questions about the proposed bond meant she opposed rebuilding schools. She said that was not the case, explaining that she approaches issues with an open mind and asks questions for clarity because she believes it is important to fully understand an issue before making any decisions.
Highline Board to Review $595.4 Million Bond, $48 Million Technology Levy
June 18, Highline bond and levy proposals to fund school construction and technology upgrades. Questions persist about Cascade’s relocation, technology use and projected taxes.
Staff Writer
Technology Levy will be on November Ballot
The board also approved placing the proposed $48 million technology levy, to be collected over four years, before voters.
Director Holien noted that people have been asking for specifics on what the levy funds would cover. He referred people to the district website for more information.
Superintendent Duran's Contract Extended
The board voted to extend Superintendent Ivan Duran's employment contract to three years. Superintendent contracts are routinely maintained on a rolling two-year term. Extending the contract to the maximum three-year term required board approval.
- Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran's Annual Evaluation LINK
- Approved 2026-2029 Superintendent Contract LINK
The superintendent agreed to stay at his $325,164.71 annual salary, but take four unpaid furlough days (@$1,487.62 per diem), thus reducing his salary to $319,214.22 for the coming year.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for August 19 at 6pm.
Members Discussion
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