Highline SD Seeking Community Feedback on Strategic Plan; OSPI Report Shows Continual Freefall

Over the past year, according to Superintendent Director Duran of Highline Public Schools, “Highline’s strategic direction is the right one.” At the January 7 board meeting, he reported that he had heard feedback from students, families, staff, and community members "affirming" the current plan. The District is now providing an opportunity open to all families and students to share their thoughts on the Strategic Plan.

In a January 8, Highline Headline announcement, the district shared it will begin refining its Strategic Plan that was passed at the end of 2023. The announcement states, "While we do not anticipate changes to our four strategic goals, priority areas, or Promise, we will focus on how we implement them and how we measure progress."

Highline's "Annual Snap Shot" (January 2026)

Highline's announcement comes at the heels of newly updated published state reports from OSPI (Office of Superintendent Public Instruction), and a generated 'snap shot' into the educational and academic health of the district, which points to continual falling academic scores regardless of their Strategic Plan and missed goals.

A few examples, based on the 4th and 8th grade OSPI report:

• "Foundational" academics for 4th and 8th grade readers are edging lower in 2025.
• 8th grade math is stagnant around 36% basic knowledge.
• Highly Capable participation is now only 2.2%, down from 2.8%
• 8th grade Algebra 1 levels have plummeted from 5.6% to 1.6%.
• Graduation rates that climbed steadily over the past decade to 84.8% are reversing, now dipping down to 81.9%

If you want to take a deeper dive into Highline's outcomes, explore the OSPI Report Card for Highline Schools.

2026-27 Budgetary Challenges

Highline is also facing an $8 million projected budget shortfall for the 2026–27 school year, with continually rising expenses, but projections of declining enrollment.

As part of this "refinement process," Highline is also seeking feedback to help inform their budget development by clarifying their stated priorities and aligning limited resources with their strategic goals.

Attend an In-Person Engagement Session

Highline is hosting three in-person engagement sessions.

Highline outlines what participants can expect at each session: "(1) A brief overview of the Strategic Plan and why it is being refined, (2) a brief update on the district’s budget, (3) a clear explanation of the feedback being sought, and (4) structured opportunities to share perspectives and ideas."

According to district announcement, the in-person sessions are for families and students only. However, there will be an online opportunity for public and community input, coming soon.

Interpretation services and light refreshments will be provided.

January 20 | 5:45–7:15 p.m.
Cascade Middle School
11212 10th Ave SW, Seattle

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

Can't Make In Person?

For those unable to attend an in-person session, an online feedback opportunity. Families, students, staff, and community members will be invited to share input on strategic plan refinement and budget priorities.

We will post the link for online feedback when it becomes available.