Students urge legislators to increase funding for public schools

On January 30, students, parents, and educators gathered in Olympia to demand $3 billion in additional funding for public schools, far exceeding the proposed $1. 3 billion budget. The advocacy group Billion Dollar Bake Sale organized the rally, where participants expressed frustration about insufficient educational resources through chants like “Fund our schools, no more crumbs. ” Prominent voices included seventh grader Huda Hamed, who highlighted the impact of inadequate funding on education quality. Sen.

Jamie Pederson assured attendees that Democrats would prioritize K-12 funding, which may involve tax increases and delaying other programs to bridge the budget gap. The state is grappling with a budget deficit estimated at $15 billion, raising concerns about how to meet educational needs effectively. Elisa Munger, a Seattle teacher, pointed out the social challenges students face, which complicate their learning experiences. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal emphasized the $3 billion gap between state funding and district spending on essentials like special education. The rally underscores the urgent need for systemic change in Washington's education funding model.