‘Are they this valuable?’: Jake looks to cut school administrators rather than pass ‘millionaire tax’

After the millionaire’s tax passed through the House and headed to the Senate, critics of the bill continued to argue that cuts could be made in the Washington budget rather than introducing new taxes.

Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, outlined what he believes could fix the state’s budget shortfall without the need for a millionaire’s tax.

“We spend a lot of money in the state. The budget for the years 25 through 27 biennium is nearly $80 billion, which is again double what it was 10 years ago,” Jake said. “Do you know where the majority of that money is spent? Education. So here’s what they should do: start with superintendents’ pay in our state.”

WA’s administrative growth outpaces student enrollment

Jake focused on what he called an unbalanced increase in administrative staff, noting that the highest-paid superintendent, in Renton, makes roughly $466,000.

“I started looking at how much money we are spending on administrative staff, and I’m not even targeting teacher pay here. I understand the interface between teachers and students; I don’t want to lose that. I’m just talking about administrators. I’m not saying they’re not valuable positions, but are they this valuable?” Jake asked.

Jake noted that student enrollment in Washington schools has grown 12% on average since 2000, while the number of teachers grew 25% in the same period. Despite the necessary teacher growth, Jake questioned another high growth statistic and whether it could be cut to balance the budget.

“You always hear about how we don’t have enough teachers. So that’s obviously not true,” Jake said. “This is where it gets interesting. Principals, what was the percentage growth in principal staffing since 2000? There has been a 42% increase in principal staffing. It will blow your mind where the state could save all of its budget deficits, all of it. I can wipe it out, and I will do it free of charge for the state.”

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.