Washington takes historic step toward full funding for special education

Washington's legislative body is on the verge of a transformative change in special education funding, with the House unanimously passing Senate Bill 5263 to remove a longstanding funding cap. This pivotal decision is anticipated to ease financial burdens on school districts, ensuring that all students with disabilities receive the education they deserve. Proponents of the bill, such as Rep. Gerry Pollet, emphasize that this legislative reform addresses critical constitutional obligations and represents a historic milestone. The new funding model will allocate an additional $870 million over the next two budget cycles, although some lawmakers argue this amount falls short of the nearly $2 billion initially proposed.

Rep. Travis Couture, who has personal ties to the special education system, voiced strong support for the bill, underscoring its potential to positively impact schools. Meanwhile, a supplementary bill aimed at increasing operational funding for schools also passed, though some legislators expressed doubts about its adequacy. The reforms come in response to a performance audit revealing that districts frequently rely on local levies to cover shortfalls in state funding. As the state navigates its tight budget, the commitment to fully fund special education marks a significant step forward in educational equity.