WA superintendent urges lawmakers to plug public school funding shortfalls

Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has urgently requested $3. 7 billion from legislators to address significant funding shortfalls impacting public schools. This request follows a troubling decline in education budget allocations, which have decreased from nearly 50% of the state budget in 2017-2019 to 44% in recent years. Reykdal stresses the moral and legal obligation to meet federal education requirements, particularly for special education, which is currently underfunded by the federal government. He attributes financial strains on school budgets to rising inflation, costing schools approximately $1 billion, and declining enrollment due to lower birth rates.

With some districts in severe financial distress, Reykdal insists that the state must invest in its education workforce rather than relying on external talent. He urges lawmakers to prioritize the educational needs of Washington's students and to stop seeking federal waivers for funding shortfalls. As the legislative session approaches, the urgency of addressing these funding gaps is critical for the future of public education in Washington.