Seattle Schools Board Special Meeting Feb. 4, 2026

The Seattle Public Schools Board held a special meeting on February 4, 2026, focusing primarily on progress monitoring of student math achievement and a detailed budget study session. The board reviewed data on math proficiency goals for grades four through six, discussing assessment tools like the Smarter Balance Assessment and MAP tests, and highlighted challenges in meeting aggressive proficiency targets, especially for students of color and multilingual learners. The discussion included instructional strategies, curriculum implementation, and the need for consistent tiered supports. In the budget session, the board addressed a significant projected deficit of approximately $87 million, emphasizing the urgency of aligning resources more effectively with student needs, considering hiring freezes, and exploring organizational efficiencies. The board also discussed the timing of budget adoption relative to peer districts and the importance of early budget guidance for schools. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting, but budgetary concerns and resource allocation strategies were central topics.