Under a sunny June sky, gold shovels tied with green ribbons broke ground in front of Pacific Middle School — symbolizing the start of a long-awaited new chapter. More than 200 students, families, alumni, elected officials and community members gathered to celebrate the future and say goodbye. 

Learn about Highline’s proposed 2025–26 budget and share your input during an upcoming public hearing. While our financial outlook remains stable, key areas of state underfunding continue to present challenges. Join us at the budget work session and public hearing to stay informed and get involved.

Highline’s financial outlook for the 2025-26 school year remains stable, thanks to steady student enrollment and past budget adjustments. However, key areas of underfunding from the state continue. 

This month, Governor Bob Ferguson signed Washington’s new two-year state budget into law. While the budget includes some increased investments in areas like special education and operational costs, we continue to face substantial funding gaps from the state that impact our ability to fully support all students.  

With limited relief from the state legislature, we anticipate additional budget reductions will need to take place in future years.  

Literacy is one of Highline’s four big priorities this year—because reading is the foundation for success in every subject and every grade. Our approach to reading is grounded in decades of research, known as the science of reading, a large body of research on how children learn to read and write.

The State Auditor’s Office gave Highline Public Schools a clean audit in its most recent review of the district’s financial operations and federal grant programming.    

We’re standing strong in our values—belonging, inclusion and safety for every student and staff member. Read how we’re moving forward, together.

At Highline, we are committed to ensuring all students, families, and staff feel welcomed, valued, and safe. As part of this commitment, we have security procedures in place to protect everyone in our buildings. Always use the main entrance to enter the school.

Meet Jill Wilson, a Highline social worker helping students feel safe, seen and supported—one conversation at a time.

Highline students are gaining real-world skills through hands-on programs in construction and health care. Core Plus Construction trains students in building trades with industry certifications, while Tyee High School’s new Health Sciences Program, launching fall 2025, prepares students for medical careers with clinical training and mentorship.

Pacific Middle School will host a groundbreaking ceremony and a last walk through the existing school on Tuesday, June 3 at 4:00 p.m.