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Residents urge board to craft 2026 legislative program as district pushes for regionalization and equity
Summary
Public commenters and district leaders discussed the need for an explicit legislative program ahead of the 2026 session, citing Eatonville’s exclusion from regionalization compensation and high rural busing costs; staff said advocacy and meetings with legislators are underway.
At the start of hearings, two community members asked the board to develop and publish a legislative program before the 2026 state legislative session and to notify the public in advance of planned testimony.
A resident speaker said Eatonville is “badly in need of additional funding,” pointing to the likelihood of reduced federal support, high local living costs, and large busing expenses for a rural district. The speaker asked the board to consider those factors when drafting legislative priorities that could win legislative support.
On the board agenda, staff reported outreach and advocacy work in recent weeks. District leaders said they are meeting with legislators, including members of education and appropriations committees, pressing for regionalization (a periodic adjustment that accounts for local cost differences) and emphasizing that Eatonville is the only Pierce County district that does not receive regionalization compensation despite having higher average home values in parts of the district. Staff also raised concerns about the state’s single flat salary allocation, which does not fully recognize districts with a large share of experienced, master’s‑level teachers.
Staff said they have provided legislators with examples of the district’s transportation and MSOC (materials, supplies and operating costs) shortfalls and that the district will continue to press for targeted relief. Board members asked staff to continue meeting with lawmakers before the session and to prepare a public legislative program and guidance on how the district will notify the public in advance of testimony.
Who said it: Laura and Susan (members of the public) delivered public comment. District staff (presenting legislative update) summarized outreach and meetings with legislators; staff mentioned Senator Wellman as an example of a legislator receiving district feedback.
Why it matters: Legislative changes or supplemental funding could reduce local fiscal pressure, address transportation and salary shortfalls, and influence district budgeting for the coming biennium.
What’s next: Staff will draft a legislative program, schedule pre‑session briefings with legislators, and use district social media to notify the public of planned testimony and advocacy steps.
