[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6252528,"mediaKeyId","3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c","parentId",3187862,"title","Superintendent says state budget yields some relief for Bellevue but falls short of special-education needs","audioSeconds",534,"startMs",766000,"endMs",1300000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c&start=766&end=1300","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c/thumbnail_766000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6252528/Washington/Superintendent-says-state-budget-yields-some-relief-for-Bellevue-but-falls-short-of-special-education-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252528-b30b16c64e02dc7da4598d1449fc5023/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141836&Signature=FzU0d-03M0HFkuzMm92TOdhxpXE3FUIK15EYb4xaZEkt-yvIsSuffoeXsHFog4xR3XacAhBQan8qtw0KD2k9s5i9Kf7aqbUmaVdv1CgkZwf2D04MELxJOzq0Qyc5ia-SUURyCS28DxloEAJhgmrLdJzEMGuptFR3s3fL723G964y23Oc8EeLv3toW6u-zc-UDKT72wm6sFvP1LaJJ1LSQYeyj4wllpthmveoYLQuqwTUx3KdRYaw-W26y-w~oBbQgD8Kgxb7GYH5gaUXiV4WCF9a2N5y5nQo5p66vjCVPHS8R99YPrqNXYG-KJgZ6gJg9O9iU9u9rMbVjmyWbYUaog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellevue School District, Washington","date","2025-05-02T13:41:40Z","article","Superintendent Kelly Aramaki told the Bellevue School District board on May 1 that the recently concluded state legislative session produced a mix of outcomes: some new funding items that could help the district, but amounts and timing that fall short of the district’s needs.

Aramaki said the state’s special-education package included approximately $308 million statewide, whereas the district had advocated for a much larger allocation. “We were asking, as a state, $1 to $2 billion in special education,” Aramaki said, and Bellevue’s projected share will be “a little over $1 million,” compared with an internal special-education budget shortfall the superintendent described as about $35 million.

The superintendent highlighted several legislative items with direct operational effects if the governor signs the budget: a lowered threshold for the safety-net program (which can increase reimbursement for high-cost students), preservation of national-board stipends, an additional $81 million for MSOCs (materials, supplies and operating costs) statewide (with Bellevue’s share cited as far smaller), and a $500-per-student levy lift that will increase the district’s levy capacity beginning next year. Aramaki said the levy lift will translate to roughly $5 million in additional revenue for the next school year (the district will begin collecting in January but does not expect to receive funds until the following April) and about $10 million once fully phased in.

The superintendent also described Senate Bill 5412 (as referenced in the meeting), which he said would allow a district that enters binding conditions to sell property and apply the proceeds as a one-time resource to restore fund balance; Aramaki noted that the measure would help Bellevue in the medium term but could take 12–24 months to produce cash.

Aramaki warned that all of the legislative aid was contingent on the governor signing the budget and that timing meant the district must plan conservatively for the coming school year. “Next year we’re going to have to be frugal,” he told the board, adding that the district will continue planning for a restoration trajectory while asking schools and departments to prioritize essential services.

Ending: The superintendent asked the board and community to track the governor’s actions closely and said district staff would return with updated revenue and restoration plans once the governor’s line-by-line decisions are known.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BSD Regular Board Meeting May 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Kelly Aramaki told the board that recent state budget actions provide some new funds for Bellevue—including a levy lift and limited special-education increases—but that the district’s special-education deficit and timing of receipts mean continued fiscal constraints.","taxTitle","Bellevue School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",13035,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6252532,"District outlines phased rollout of advisory and project-based learning for middle schools, warns resources are limited",1216,2967000,4183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c&start=2967&end=4183","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c/thumbnail_2967000.jpg","/articles/6252532/Washington/District-outlines-phased-rollout-of-advisory-and-project-based-learning-for-middle-schools-warns-resources-are-limited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252532-2f4c059a65df245062d09b16bf0806ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141836&Signature=YAXocs5LTmbcXMBMLj2uUBmUGbhrk6iR1HrApOqkIxvlet-ysRgMAmWYHn3hBXF-wvM5Qe8VdVypTByz1kM4ryNsag4wrgSsCYZM7ujlJCI9gRSPuvwhuiNOFgDigv6wkNYZPXYjVDXNCT1T~N1zIDYnnsuzx2m2Z0iSOSiyHamRstmb86GhLJ0sbKT5ji1uWwC1e2JO68VgjBSTWpxK8hBYajhuKBR83023n4Wnf6nwIxqMrlcST3V0foSRw5ZYEmq~o9JKXRRe6OQCV3p~sjPqWZCgqAuuk1AMT3BZLIy~0lmfM7WbN4f0CQbg84R4NOU-rW4oOlZ4WokD3xrV8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bellevue School District staff told the board on May 1 that a multiyear initiative to “reimagine” middle schools will prioritize advisory-based learning and problem-based learning (PBL) to increase student belonging and engagement, but that budget and staffing constraints will require phased, small-scale implementation.

Doctor Andrew Jackson, Director of Teaching and Learning, said the initiative grew from design work begun in 2020–22 and that the district established four priority areas: teacher teaming, extended class time, advisory, and problem-based learning. Jackson described year three of the plan as an “initial implementation” that has focused on professional learning, small pilot projects and materials development.

“We found a lot of success and excitement in the work,” Jackson said, noting pilots at several schools and district-directed social-studies professional development that connects PBL design elements to the Danielson framework. He said advisory will include a yearly scope and sequence to teach prosocial behavior, executive-function skills and student agency.

Board members welcomed the goals but repeatedly raised the district’s reduced capacity for large-scale rollout. Several directors asked how the approach would serve marginalized students and how the district would ensure consistent quality across schools if implementation relies on inspired volunteers rather than mandated, districtwide requirements.

Superintendent Kelly Aramaki said the district sees PBL as a potential tool to boost engagement and reduce chronic absenteeism, but “it has to be done well” with clear learning targets and professional development. He added that some students learn best alone and that PBL must be balanced with opportunities for individual work and individual accountability within group projects.

Staff outlined next steps that include continued targeted professional development tied to Danielson criteria, coaching for building leaders, and tying PBL units to teacher- and principal-goal-setting and student-growth assessments. The presentation flagged implementation risks: limited resources and professional-development time, reduced curriculum-development capacity, and the need for strong principal leadership to sustain the work.

Ending: The board heard that the district will proceed with cautious expansion of advisory and PBL next school year, leaning on voluntary innovators in buildings and targeted professional learning rather than a sweeping districtwide mandate, with the understanding that capacity limits may delay or reduce full implementation.","Bellevue School District staff described a multi-year Reimagine Middle Schools initiative that emphasizes advisory, problem-based learning and extended collaboration; leaders said budget constraints mean implementation will be phased and rely on volunteer innovation and targeted professional development.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6252537,"Somerset parents and PTSA urge district to reverse earlier start time, cite hill, microclimate and dark-walk risks",433,1671000,2104000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c&start=1671&end=2104","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c/thumbnail_1671000.jpg","/articles/6252537/Washington/Somerset-parents-and-PTSA-urge-district-to-reverse-earlier-start-time-cite-hill-microclimate-and-dark-walk-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252537-ef6cdd72436b1438d6644589b14694b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141836&Signature=X9pToKNrAZerdbbUnzApY1KWYmYEy4x27n-6BWDdT7Dx74c0-8lI4Lzm9pcAIWXQ8pvBUVqlb7yOMmCv6q92NXmez8bx3ttBaivJtFBIYg906LLZyNLQP0CMplISi12jVdTewPRfQYwLDZSk4pQyqtvzPOnw-XAM98g5gKj0VojPcTdGfW4SmLHd6bD-cK-RhGZwWS7ioRF~4Xh9dvy5Jhw2IFIBy8MIKTbAbC1~uG80ZGi-lxvotwblxeSdyE4O~R1DoE0cmgXH3XryReZkHlLWuhKUYXRFy7QxnCNSy1sgzE3TqPVRsPyYu5CRRPM5jbkJcAsyyi4KH6u-cphl~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parents and the Somerset Elementary PTSA told the Bellevue School District Board of Directors on May 1 that a proposed shift to an 8:05 a.m. start next year would create unsafe walking conditions for students because of steep roads, limited sidewalks, poor winter lighting and local microclimate effects.

Steph (last name not provided) said Somerset “already checks all of these boxes” for unsafe walking conditions—limited or no sidewalks in the one-mile walk radius, no traffic lights, only two crosswalks near the school, blind curves, steep slopes and few overhead street lights. She said an earlier start means students would be walking in the dark during winter months: sunrise can be about 7:57 a.m. in December and January.

Kelly Wuge, president of the Somerset PTSA, told the board Somerset sits at roughly 784 feet above sea level—about 400 feet higher than many district elementary schools—and that the elevation creates a microclimate with more snow, ice and fog. She said neighborhood streets are sometimes unplowed and inaccessible for days after snowfall, forcing parents to drive when walking would otherwise be possible.

Parent Hannah said the $200,000 the district expects to save by changing bell times does not justify what she described as “very real risk to the physical safety of our children,” and asked the board to keep Somerset’s current 9:05 start time.

Speakers urged the district to share the safety-study analysis used to make the start-time decision; one commenter said she had requested the report from district staff and had not yet received it. The district’s transportation web guidance—cited during comments—lists traffic speed, volume, lack of sidewalks and lack of stoplights among unsafe walking conditions.

Board members and staff did not vote on the bell-time policy at the May 1 meeting; the public comments were part of the meeting’s public-comment period. District staff previously explained the bell-time changes are part of a cost-reduction plan that includes routing and bus-service adjustments.

Ending: Parents asked the board and staff to reconsider or to provide a school-specific safety analysis for Somerset before implementing the earlier start time, and to publicly release the transportation and safety assessment used to justify the change.","Multiple parents and the Somerset PTSA told the Bellevue School District board that moving Somerset Elementary’s start time to 8:05 a.m. will expose students to unsafe walking conditions in winter and asked the district to reconsider the change.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6252542,"Parents, teachers and therapists warn of service cuts as Bellevue budget restores fall short",713,1529000,2242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c&start=1529&end=2242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3187862-3c698b8e81777bffc73969a4b8d6837c/thumbnail_1529000.jpg","/articles/6252542/Washington/Parents-teachers-and-therapists-warn-of-service-cuts-as-Bellevue-budget-restores-fall-short","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6252542-19bd4d315fa40c32a1e5d285093e1309/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141836&Signature=HymfB3RNoy2rBFvU6V80GiEuleZD9Etuodm158yIaNzoVFeewxBO2m6azAk8XFK5YpC9CxTjf1cQ6OUSpAWmDk8HxO~Lq~Aj~izfbQ82xPVtVgZ8OQJsgjgskglS4nhBDq3CAVU-8YqEi9MvDUg9fxIN~3eOvshLzoeZWwo85DjwRRhapayj71BGORuotbJzd~-2LxFhcelzMjUUQv5~nrLaB2giTWOmwiitYGb6LDtmBJvpsI00-sfzdOBz6aVVyrWQQnn-u6siGwhu3uhT2H77kGTrnnN9h7W3VkWplfzXeEynjz4-CuZycE4RJQYdrWn0FCa6xjOA6k0QAxlxOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Bellevue School District community told the school board on May 1 that planned staffing reductions and budget-driven reassignments threaten special-education services, increase caseloads and leave families without timely communication about missed services.

Special-education teacher Claire Draw told the board Newport High School was told it would lose an inclusive-program designation this spring without explanation beyond budget concerns, a change she said will raise caseloads by “a minimum of nine students” and reduce special-education staffing by about 1.4 full-time equivalents. She said Newport has operated as a neighborhood school with inclusive supports for six years and asked the district to allow the school to continue that model.

The concerns were echoed by occupational therapist Megha Mahale, who said high caseloads have reduced therapists’ ability to collaborate with classroom teams and to generalize therapy skills into students’ daily school routines. “Without this crucial collaboration, our expertise can only do so much,” Mahale said, adding that limited collaboration time weakens the effect of therapy for students with fine-motor or mobility needs.

Parents and parent-group leaders described related problems. Mindy Carroll, a parent of a student who receives private therapy in addition to school services, said families need prompt written or verbal notice when school-based specialist minutes are missed so at-home practice can be coordinated with private providers. Amy Lennox, co-chair of the Bellevue PTSA Council’s Special Services Committee, said parents report that IEP and 504 accommodations are sometimes missed, that compensatory minutes are not consistently tracked or offered, and that schools are not always following the district’s reporting process for missed services.

BEA representatives and classroom-based specialists told the board classroom staffing decisions have already led to larger classes and heavier workloads in some schools. Melissa Taylor, an executive-board classroom-based student-services representative for the Bellevue Education Association, described a photography teacher reduced from 1.2 to 0.7 FTE and English classes at Sammamish High projected to be collapsed into two sections of about 42 students each rather than three sections of roughly 28. The contract target cited in public comments is 26 students per section; Taylor said the proposed assignments would substantially increase grading load and reduce teachers’ ability to give individualized feedback.

Speakers asked the district to track service minutes, provide transparent data to families about missed services and compensatory plans, and prioritize school-based staffing in the restoration plan. Parents also said they hear from families who fear retaliation for reporting problems and that, as a result, trust and accountability are eroding.

District leaders acknowledged the hardship of cuts and repeatedly said they were working within constrained budgets that will require “frugal” planning next year. Board members asked for clarity about how priorities will be set, how consistency will be maintained across schools, and how the district will support students who rely on frequent specialist collaboration.

The board did not take any vote on program changes or staffing during the meeting; the remarks were part of the public-comment period and the staff superintendent update. Speakers requested follow-up from district staff and clearer tracking and communication protocols for missed minutes and compensatory services.

Ending: Parents and staff asked the board for prompt, specific follow-up and for data showing where services are missed so the district can direct resources or accountability where needed. Several speakers urged prioritized, school-based staffing and transparent tracking of IEP/504 services rather than relying primarily on technology or equipment purchases.","Special-education teachers, therapists and parents told the Bellevue School District board they expect higher caseloads, missed service minutes and reduced staffing next year and urged the district to track and remedy gaps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent says state budget yields some relief for Bellevue but falls short of special-education needs

District outlines phased rollout of advisory and project-based learning for middle schools, warns resources are limited

Somerset parents and PTSA urge district to reverse earlier start time, cite hill, microclimate and dark-walk risks

Parents, teachers and therapists warn of service cuts as Bellevue budget restores fall short