Your schools: Blog covers questions about Federal Way's budget

The Federal Way School District has been quite vocal about objections to the proposed state budget and the cuts that Federal Way, like all other school districts, will receive in funding during the economic recession.

However, the district is also working to get the word out about budget process — including live blogs with Chief Financial Officer Sally McLean.

McLean answered questions on the district's blog page for an hour and a half Jan. 15, with topics ranging from the timeline for the district's budget process, to where cuts might be made, the potential for school closures and the district's ongoing fair funding lawsuit vs. the state.

In many of the questions, McLean referred to examples from the 2003-2004 shortfall, which had a similar budget challenge.

In that budget year, more than 100 positions were eliminated; 99 were cut and the others were reduced through attrition.

Also in that session, Superintendent Tom Murphy did recommend closing some schools down. However, if that route was pursued this time, any school closures would not take effect for at least a year.

In addition to the live blog, McLean has also begun presentinh the budget process and challenges to the public, beginning with Tuesday night's presentation to the school board.

For more information about the district's budget schedule or to view the live blog, visit www.fwps.org.

Contact Federal Way Mirror Reporter Kyra Low at klow@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565.

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