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Thursday, April 21, 2005 - Page updated at 2:30 p.m.
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 The
budget
The Seattle Schools'
budget deficits swelled between 2001 and 2003 due to unchecked spending
and inflated revenue estimates. This year, balancing the budget meant spending
one-time reserves; next year's budget deficit is estimated at $12.2
million. Now the district is looking at school closures
and fewer bus rides to close a $20 million deficit in the 2006-2007 school year.
Why more cuts? The costs
of labor and energy are rising, water-quality standards are stricter, and books and buildings must be
replaced.
 Q&A: Seattle schools budget woes not unique
Can cuts in Seattle schools avoid the "ugly list"?
 Proposals for closing the shortfall
Where the money goes
The 2004-05 budget, totaling $443.7 million, includes:
| OVERVIEW | DETAIL |
| 50.4% |
schools |
52.3% |
salaries for teachers, librarians |
| 26.8% |
operations |
17.8% |
salaries for clerks, custodians |
| 12.4% |
central education |
14.4% |
benefits |
| 6.8% |
general obligations |
11.3% |
contractual services |
| 3.6% |
administration |
3.9% |
supplies |
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| 0.1% |
travel |
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| 0.2% |
capital outlay |
Where the money comes from
The state's system for financing education
ebbs and flows with the economy; most of the state budget is dependent
on sales and business-license taxes.
| 55.5% |
The state | ($246.4 million) |
| 28% |
Local levy | ($124.3 million) |
| 12.8% |
Federal | ($56.9 million) |
| 1.4% |
Other revenue | ($6.4 million) |
| 2.2% |
Other resources | ($9.7 million) |
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(i.e. prior year’s surplus) | |
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