On December 1, 2011, the Shoreline City Council sponsored its first community Education Summit. The Shoreline community places high value on education and its educational institutions. The summit included an introduction by Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan and an opportunity to hear briefings from Shoreline School District Superintendent, Sue Walker, and Shoreline Community College President, Lee Lambert on the challenges that their schools face in today’s economic and political climate. A common theme for both institutions was change and adapting to meet their primary goal of educating children and adults. Most significantly both the School District and the Shoreline Community College have faced significant financial challenges as a result of the reductions in State funding over the last few years and the anticipated future cuts.
The Shoreline Community College faces additional challenges as a result of the growing presence of private and on-line college opportunities. As a result they have started initiatives to enhance their ability to provide their classroom opportunities not only physically at the college, but on-line for students. The Shoreline Community College continues to bolster their automotive repair programs and develop relationships to enhance international student opportunities.
In November 2011 the Shoreline School District had to ask voters to approve a supplemental levy to maintain their current class size model due to the State’s cuts to basic education in Shoreline totally approximately $6.2 million annually. Much of that funding was for reducing class sizes. While Shoreline voters passed the levy with 63% of the vote, if the state makes additional cuts to education funding, the supplemental levy may not be enough to support current class sizes.
Both Ms. Walker and Mr. Lambert encouraged the audience to contact their legislative representatives to discourage any further cuts in education funding. Following the briefings, audience members had an opportunity to ask both the Ms. Walker and Mr. Lambert questions. Approximately 45 community members attended the event.
Watch the full summit (1 hour 39 minutes)