News

This week's Highline Headlines include information about the levy passing, 10 questions to ask at conferences, upcoming breaks, budget and more. 

The Highline online store is now open, offering a variety of logo apparel including t-shirts, jackets, hoodies, and more. Gear up to represent Highline with pride – but hurry, the store closes Friday, November 21.

Student conferences offer a chance to understand your child’s progress and build a strong connection with their teacher. We share 10 helpful questions to guide your conversation—from academic growth to social well-being—so you leave with a clearer picture and ways to support learning at home.

Highline educators stepped away from their daily routine to focus on what matters most: helping every student feel valued, supported and fully included. On November 3, teachers, paraeducators and school leaders spent the day learning together about what students need to feel a strong sense of belonging at school and to be successful in their learning.  

We continue our work to develop a balanced budget for the 2026-27 school year. As shared in October, Highline will need to reduce spending by $8 million to maintain long-term financial stability. Department leaders are reviewing budgets now. We will also identify districtwide efficiencies and gather input from staff, families, students and community members. Monthly updates will be shared at School Board meetings throughout the year.

There will be no school of Tuesday, November 11. Read more Headlines including food resources, the levy passing, high-tech visitor check-in, college-level coding and more. 

This school year, students in all grades are learning from updated health lessons that help them build healthy habits for body and mind. Check out an overview of what is being taught in elementary and secondary classrooms. Sexual health remains taught separately through FLASH. 

We are standardizing visitor check-in procedures across all Highline schools to support safety and belonging. All visitors are now consistently verified via intercom and must sign in and wear a badge. Families can help by not holding doors open. Read more about this update.

We’re celebrating the work of school psychologists who help Highline students learn, grow, and thrive every day.

No school on Monday, November 3. Read more headlines including a reminder that the time changes on Sunday, reminder to vote by November 4, graduations dates and more. 

Highline High School students are getting a head start on their futures through an innovative partnership with Eastern Washington University. These skills are essential in today’s digital world. Along the way, students gain confidence and experiences that prepare them for college, careers and life after graduation. 

Starting November 1, SNAP benefits will pause, which may affect some families. We are sharing food assistance resources, including local food banks and support services. All enrolled Highline students can still receive free school meals daily. For more help, contact your child’s school directly.

Graduation dates for 2026 have been announced. 

We are redesigning secondary schools to make learning more relevant and rigorous. Guided by student, family, and educator input, high schools are launching career pathways, expanding dual credit, increasing IB access, and offering hands-on learning through new schedules and partnerships. This work continues in 2025–26 to support every student’s success.

The 2025 levy would continue funding for programs and services that are not fully funded by the state. These include college and career readiness staff, counselors, social workers, transportation, safety staff and day-to-day operations. 

The Highline Communications Team received 11 awards in the 2025 Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) awards program, including five Best in Category distinctions, two Perfect Score and seven Awards of Excellence. This reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team.

This week's Highline Headlines include information about the $8 million budget reduction, ballots in your mailbox, when to keep your student home and more. 

Construction crews are making good progress at the site of the new Pacific Middle School.

Crews are putting the finishing touches on the new modular Transportation Building. Look inside to see the fresh, new space for our bus drivers, dispatchers and other Transportation staff.

We are beginning early planning for an estimated $8 million budget reduction in the 2026–27 school year. In a message to staff this week, Superintendent Duran shared that while enrollment is steady and the district remains financially stable today, state and federal funding continue to fall short of covering rising costs. 

Highline uses Standards-Based Grading (SBG) as part of our instructional approach. This grading system focuses on measuring each student's progress toward clearly defined learning goals, based on the state standards set by Washington State. Learn how SBG helps support meaningful learning for every student.

Future Ready Fest brought more than 400 students and families together to explore pathways, connect with community partners, and get real help planning for life after high school.

King County Elections mailed ballots to registered voters last week. Ballots can be returned by mail (no stamp needed) or placed in an official ballot drop box. 

Highline principals lead with care, purpose, and a deep belief in every student. In honor of National Principals Month, we’re highlighting a few of the many school leaders making an impact across our district.