“Literacy is the most equitable thing you can do for students. It’s time for Highline to keep its promise.” – School Board Candidate Katie Kresly
On Wednesday, June 25, the Highline School District held a mandatory public hearing on the budget. Attendance was sparse. Three individuals testified, including two school board candidates: Katie Kresly and Ken Kemp.
At the June 25 public hearing on the Highline School District budget, school board candidate Ken Kemp criticized the district’s academic performance, stating that its failures are not due to a lack of funding. He noted that despite spending levels among the highest in the state—the district remains in the state’s bottom 20% for test scores, and now the district seeks to increase spending to $25,000 per student, making it one of the highest in the nation. He noted that New York spends $33,000 and is fourth from the bottom, while Florida spends only $13,000 and ranks number four in the nation. “More money is not the answer,” said Kemp. Kemp emphasized the need to reverse these academic shortcomings, citing that “Over 50% of students are three grade levels behind in reading and fewer than 25% pass the graduation math test.”
In a later interview, Kemp, a former educator who now teaches advanced math at his local union hall, stressed his second priority of restoring a learning environment by improving school discipline. He argued that behavioral issues, particularly in elementary school, must be addressed early to prevent long-term academic disruption.
Next up was Ms. Kresly, who addressed the district’s troubling pattern of shutting down programs that demonstrate high effectiveness and positive outcomes for students. She cited the school district’s recent withdrawal of support for the robotics team, including the removal of long-standing access to their workspace. Kresly also noted that the district has revoked facility use from homeschool groups—an action that she views as troubling for both families and students who have received support for the last 40 years.
Kresly questioned the district’s spending priorities in light of persistently poor academic results. In a follow-up conversation, she emphasized that restoring academic excellence in a safe, supportive environment, is her top priority.
“Over the past decade, we’ve watched as Highline’s academic outcomes have plummeted—especially in literacy. But with focused dedication, we could become a statewide leader. We already partner with proven reading intervention programs that can help students recover years of lost learning. The state of Mississippi made third-grade reading a priority and saw dramatic gains for students of color and those in poverty. Highline can follow that example. I urge the district to reengage what works, set measurable goals, and align the budget with real outcomes. Literacy is the most equitable thing you can do for students. It’s time for Highline to keep its promise,” she said.
The meeting was scheduled for 30 minutes. Given the lack of community comment, the Board sat in silence for 20 minutes until the meeting was adjourned at the scheduled time.
For more information on the proposed budget and tax hike please see the https://burien.news/education/highline-school-district/highline-school-board-2025-26-budget-increase-explained/
The school board plans to vote on the proposed 2025-26 budget at the July 2 board meeting, scheduled for noon at Highline District central office at 156th and Ambaum in Burien. There will be another opportunity for public comment.
