Funding K-12 Public Education in Washington State: Current conditions and future challenges Marge Plecki, Associate Professor Educational Leadership and Policy Studies University of Washington

Washington State Constitution of 1889 Declared that it is the “paramount duty of the state to make ample provisions” for the education of all children residing in the state. It also said: “the legislature shall provide for a general and uniform system of public schools.”

Seattle v Washington, 1977 The state’s system of funding schools was unconstitutional Local property taxes should not be used to fund basic education services The legislature is responsible for defining and providing sufficient funds for basic education through a regular and dependable tax source

Legislative responses Basic Education Act of 1977 Created a new funding formula intended to equalize educational opportunities Levy Lid Act of 1977 Limited local taxes to 10% Expansion of basic education (1983) Special, remedial and bilingual education Equalization aid (1987) Extra assistance for “property poor” districts

Results of finance reform Dramatic shift from dependence on local funds to state funds Significant reduction in revenue disparities among school districts Legislative mechanism to control costs

Current conditions Schools are dependent on state sources for the majority of their revenues The majority of the budget is dedicated to investments in personnel. Interdistrict variations in state funding are primarily driven by property wealth

Sources of revenue for schools in State 70.2% Local 15.2% Federal 9.5% Other Local 4.7% Source: OSPI Financial Reporting Summary

Comparing Teacher Salaries NationWAORCA Average Salary rank in rank in ,36743, , , Average Beginning Salary30,71928,34831,02634,180 Salaries as % of Total Education Spending 37.1% 30.7% 31.1%38.5% Source: American Federation of Teachers

Comparing per-pupil expenditures Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Existing Challenges Equal treatment is not synonymous with equitable treatment There is a small but steady rise in the percent of the budget coming from local sources. The state's current input-driven school finance system is out of synch with its performance-based educational reform.

Policy issues shaping the future Profiles of student performance present significant concerns about system adequacy Statewide voter initiatives add a new element to crafting funding policies Pressing needs in higher education strain state resources