Seattle Superintendent Addresses Budget Deficit and Union Strike Threat

<p>Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner stated that the district is facing a significant budget deficit as the new school year approaches. He described the district as "broke" while responding to the Seattle Education Association's (SEA) threat to strike.</p><p>In a letter posted on Sunday, Shuldiner emphasized, "Let me be absolutely clear, SEA does not have to strike. Period, full stop. If they do, that is completely up to them. They have a contract that they signed and it will continue." He compared the situation to sports, stating, "We are not the NFL owners who lock out our players trying to exact concessions or give-backs." </p><p>KOMO News reported that 91 percent of SEA members, including teachers and staff, approved a strike authorization vote if a new contract with higher pay and benefits is not reached. The district's budget gap is reported to be around $100 million.</p><p>Shuldiner noted that special education supports and pay were major issues for the union in their negotiations. He stated, "We are good faith bargainers who are trying desperately to negotiate a contract that is good for staff and students." He also mentioned the district's willingness to provide retroactive pay if a new contract is signed without a strike.</p><p>Shuldiner reiterated the district's commitment to a 9% pay increase over the next three years for educators, but stressed the need for careful spending due to the financial situation. He said, "As everybody knows, we’re broke, so we have to be really thoughtful around how we spend the money. If we had the money, I would love to give it to everybody. But the problem is we don’t." </p><p>KOMO News also reported that previous cost-cutting measures, including proposals to close and consolidate schools, faced opposition, leading the district to seek alternative operational savings and additional funding from state lawmakers and local levy revenue. Enrollment has decreased by about 5,000 students since 2019.</p><p>Shuldiner, who was appointed in November, previously stated, "The first thing we have to do is stop spending money we don't have." In a statement to Fox News Digital, Jason Rantz, host of The Jason Rantz Show, commented on the SEA's bargaining tactics and noted Shuldiner's transparency in addressing the union's actions.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to Shuldiner and the Seattle Education Association for further comments.</p>