The School District Story: What the Numbers Actually Say
A response to the original outlet's investigation into Sequim School District finances. The Herald's core findings are correct, but the framing could mislead readers about the scale of the issue.
the original outlet’s investigation into Sequim School District finances is a piece of solid public records journalism. The Herald obtained the district’s budget documents, interviewed three board members, and laid out a clear picture of a district running on fumes.
We agree with the core findings: the district is underfunded, the board has been slow to act, and the students are paying the price.
But we think the framing could mislead readers about the scale of the issue.
The Headline Problem
The Herald’s headline calls it a “financial crisis.” That’s not wrong, but it’s also not the whole story.
The district’s budget deficit is $2.3 million. That’s significant, but it’s not unprecedented. In 2022, the district ran a $3.1 million deficit and recovered within two years. The difference this time is that the recovery plan is less clear.
What the Herald Got Right
- The board’s failure to present a balanced budget for two consecutive years
- The reliance on one-time grants to cover recurring expenses
- The teacher turnover rate, which has doubled since 2023
These are all documented in the public records the Herald obtained. We’ve verified the numbers against the district’s own filings.
What’s Missing
The Herald doesn’t mention the state’s new funding formula, which takes effect in July 2027. That formula would add $1.8 million to the district’s budget — enough to close most of the deficit.
That doesn’t mean the district is fine. But it does mean the “crisis” framing might be overstating the urgency.
Our Verdict
The Herald’s reporting is accurate and well-sourced. The framing is where we’d push back. A “financial strain” might be more precise than “crisis.”
We’ll be watching the board’s response to the state’s new funding formula.