Issues at the Core of Washington State’s School Funding Dilemma
A declining state priority. Increased student needs. Rising costs. Unfunded requirements.
These core issues are causing countless school districts across Washington to experience a financial crisis. The state of Washington is constitutionally responsible for fully funding the costs of basic education but even after reforms (the McCleary “Solution”), the state’s efforts aren’t keeping up with actual expenses.
The Core Issue
The state isn’t fulfilling its financial promise to fully fund basic public education, and communities are feeling the consequences of the funding shortfall with deep cuts to school district staff positions, programs, and services.