Capital Budget Committee begins case‑study phase of SCAP revision, hears funding and process gaps

The Capital Budget Committee met April 3 in Olympia to review progress on a multi‑phase project to revise the School Construction Assistance Program, known as SCAP. Project consultants David McBride, Gene Simene and Wade Smith told the committee they have completed initial stakeholder outreach and data gathering and will use case studies and focus groups this spring to test candidate formulas and delivery models.

Why it matters: Committee members and consultants said SCAP’s current formula and reimbursement process leave many districts—especially small, rural, property‑poor and rapidly growing districts—without sufficient support to build or modernize schools. The consultants also cited a sharp statewide drop in bond activity and passage rates, which they said reduces districts’ willingness to place measures before voters.

Consultants summarized the work to date and the priorities emerging from their outreach. David McBride said the project has five phases: initial engagement and survey; deep data gathering (now wrapping up); targeted engagement and case studies (just starting); developing and testing proposed solutions; and finalizing recommendations. Wade Smith said the project has “broken this project…