Seattle Schools Face $100 Million Hole as Teachers Threaten Strike

Seattle Public Schools warn of roughly a $100 million budget shortfall as the Seattle Education Association votes 91% to authorize a strike over pay, benefits and special education. The district, which has proposed cost-saving measures including closures that were abandoned, says it is financially strained but remains willing to offer retroactive pay if a new contract is reached. Enrollment has fallen about 5,000 since 2019 as negotiations continue.