The Washington State Auditor’s Office has given Highline Public Schools a clean bill of financial health following its latest independent review of the district’s finances and federal grant management, the district announced on Friday, May 23, 2025.

The audit, which covered the 2023–24 fiscal year, reported no findings, no significant deficiencies, and no material weaknesses, signaling strong fiscal stewardship and compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.

“This confirms that Highline’s financial records are accurate, reliable and well-managed,” the district said in a statement.

“We deeply value our ongoing partnership with the State Auditor’s Office,” said Highline Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bryan. “Each annual audit is more than a compliance exercise—it’s a meaningful opportunity to reflect, refine and strengthen our fiscal practices to better serve our students, staff and community.” 

The district’s consistent track record includes completing all school construction projects over the past two decades on time and within budget. That includes the new Tyee and Evergreen high schools, which are both scheduled to open in fall 2025.

An accountability audit by the State Auditor’s Office is still in progress.

Thanks to stable enrollment and earlier budget cuts, Highline reports that no additional reductions were necessary in preparing the 2025–26 budget.

Work Session & Public Hearing

The public is invited to learn about the proposed 2025-26 district budget in June. The Highline School Board of Directors will hold a work session on the budget on June 12 and a public hearing on the budget on June 25.  

  • Budget Presentation – Work Session
    Thursday, June 12: 4 – 5:00 p.m.  
  • Public Comment – Public Hearing 
    Wednesday, June 25: 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. 

Community members may provide public comments on the proposed budget during the public hearing and during public testimony at regular board meetings.  

All school board meetings are held at the Central Administration Building, 15675 Ambaum Boulevard SW in Burien. All regular board business meetings, work sessions and public hearings are public. Everyone is encouraged to attend or watch online.  

More details are available on the Highline Public Schools website.