1. 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 Email: mplecki@u.washington.edu

2. 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.”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Sources of revenue for schools in 2002-03 State 70.2% Local 15.2% Federal 9.5% Other Local 4.7% Source: OSPI Financial Reporting Summary 2002-03

8. Comparing Teacher Salaries 2001-02 NationWAORCA Average Salary rank in 01-02 rank in 91-92 44,36743,470 20 15 46,033 14 19 54,348 1 6 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

9. Comparing per-pupil expenditures 2000-2001 Source: National Center for Education Statistics

10. 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.

11. 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