New research released by Washington Policy Center, an independent, non-partisan research organization based in Seattle, provides key facts about the Seattle School District.  Education spending in Washington state is at historic highs, averaging $10,200 per student statewide.  Average teacher pay in Seattle is $70,850 for a ten-month work year.  163 Seattle public school employees receive more than $100,000 a year.  The Seattle teachers’ union receives $3.2 million in education funding each year in the form of mandatory member dues.

Yet, because of restrictive work rules and multi-layered bureaucracy, only 59 cents of every education dollar reaches the classroom, and public school students continue to lag in academic achievement.  The research shows that more money won’t help public schools, and that policymakers can improve student learning with existing funding.  Practical ideas for reform are available in the Center’s study, Eight Practical Ways to Reverse the Decline of Public Schools.

1.  Seattle Schools and Students

• Number of students: 43,752
• Number of schools: 97

2.  Public School Staffing

• Number of employees: 4,914
• Number of full-time classroom teachers: 2,056
• Number of students per employee: 8.8
• Number of students per classroom teacher:  20.9
• Share of employees who are classroom teachers: 42%
• Number of paid days off: 10 days of sick leave, 2 days of personal leave, and additional days for meetings and training.
• Collective bargaining rule for layoffs: younger teachers with low seniority are laid off first.
• Collective bargaining rule for teacher evaluations: numerous administrative obstacles to removing poor-performing teachers from the classroom.

3.  Education Spending

• Total education spending in 2010-11, budgeted: $833.5 million
• Total per student spending: $19,051
• Operations budget in 2010-11, budgeted:  $566.9 million
• Per student spending, operations only: $12,746
• Average teacher pay for a ten-month work year: $70,850
• Average teacher pay with benefits: $92,105
• Average administrator pay with benefits: $132,549
• Superintendent’s pay:  $264,000
• Number of employees receiving over $100,000 a year: 163
• Education funds paid as dues to teachers union from May 2007- May 2008: $3.29 million

4.  Student Learning (Students in Washington state are entitled to 180 days of class time.)

• Number of full class days provided by Seattle: 170 (167 days for K-5 students).
• High school on-time graduation rate: 70.1%

5.  2009-10 Measures of Student Progress and High School Proficiency Exam results

• 31% of fourth graders failed in Reading
• 38% of fourth graders failed in Math
• 27% of eighth graders failed in Reading
• 40% of eighth graders failed in Math
• 40% of eighth graders failed in Science
• 25% of tenth graders failed in Reading
• 55% of tenth graders failed in Math
• 55% of tenth graders failed in Science

6.  Parent Choice

• Number of charter schools permitted:  0

Download a pdf version of Key Facts about Seattle Public Schools here.