This article is one of a series of articles produced by Word in Black through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Word In Black is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country
By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Since the COVID 19 pandemic the public school system have been exposed for a number of inequitable issues. Financial hardships in school districts have promoted staffing shortages and basic educational needs shortages.
In Seattle, Parent, Teacher, Student Associations (PTSAs) are instrumental in supporting K-12 education. They’re part of the Seattle Public School (SPS) District’s grant resources. The 2023-24 budget includes these contributions, projecting a total of $151.5 million in grant resources, with the SPS PTSA investing up to $4 million towards fundamental educational needs.
These grants, encompassing PTSA, state, local government, federal resources, donations, and private foundations, follow specific rules set by the grantors. They’re designed to supplement, not replace, the district’s core funding.
Despite these efforts, PTA officials for Seattle Public Schools are concerned that PTA funding are being used to close basic funding gaps in the district’s budget.
“There is an underlying funding problem driving PTAs to pay for staff,” they state, noting that PTAs fund essential staff positions in 43 of the 63 public elementary schools in Seattle.
This translates to about 70% of these schools receiving an average of $101,000 per school from their PTAs, primarily for nurses, counselors, and specialists like math and reading tutors. However, this funding is not enough.
“Despite big dollars, PTA funding is only partially filling gaps. GHE still has a half-time counselor which is below the state funding model,” they add.
David LeBreton, PTA Legislative Co-Chair, emphasizes this issue: “The Genesee Hill Elementary (GHE) School PTA has produced startling facts about how much money Parent Teacher Associations in Seattle spend to augment education for public school students. This year, Seattle elementary school PTAs subsidize the Seattle School District with more than $4,000,000.”
The reliance on PTA funding for staffing highlights a systemic issue. “PTAs are in a ‘no win’ situation. We need sustainable and equitable funding to fill these gaps,” a GHE parent explains.
Seattle Public School Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones assures the parents and organizations that support the district that the school district intends to hold up its mission in being accountable stewards of public and private funds used to meet and improve on the challenges schools are facing.
“In the coming years, our district is facing a significant projected budget deficit,” said Jones. “This presents some serious challenges, but also an opportunity for improvement. Our mission to meet academic outcomes, and to sustain inclusive and welcoming school communities for our students, has only grown in importance and urgency. Ensuring our district is accountable and responsible stewards of public and private funds is central to that work.”
Dr. Jones has also made it clear that increased enrollment and offering “well-resourced” schools is the key to success as well as making sure state government continues its efforts to “fully funded public education”.
“We are taking steps to increase enrollment by ensuring we offer a system of well-resourced schools,” says Jones. “Also, we will continue to advocate for our state legislature to fully-fund public education. Our legislators actively showed their support for education during this last legislative session. We are grateful and remain open to working together for greater results in the coming years.”