Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Education groups warn the budget falls short: K‑12 funding, 9th grade supports and ECAP concerns raised
Summary
School districts, teachers and education associations told the committee the governor’s proposal does not sufficiently fund K‑12 basic needs (MSOC), special education, 9th‑grade success programs and that cuts to National Board stipends would harm teacher retention.
Representatives of school boards, teacher and staff unions, principals and educational nonprofits told the Appropriations Committee the governor’s proposed budget leaves critical K‑12 needs underfunded and should be changed to protect students and school operations.
Speakers urged funding for three priorities frequently described as the "big three" — materials, supplies and operating costs (MSOC), special education and student transportation. Nikki Lockwood, president of the Spokane School Board, asked lawmakers to prioritize MSOC and noted that a one‑time $20 per‑student increase in the previous cycle "only scratched the surface" of a statewide need she estimated closer to $400 per student. Several education witnesses — including Rick Chiesa of Public School Employees of Washington and Marissa Rathbone of the Washington State School Directors Association — said the proposed share of the state budget for schools would continue to shrink and urged increased funding rather than cuts.
Multiple speakers asked the committee to restore funding for the 9th Grade Success initiative, a program several witnesses said has raised on‑track rates in participating high schools. Henderson Carlisle of the Center for High School Success told the committee that 9th‑grade on‑track status strongly correlates with on‑time graduation and that participating schools saw measurable improvements.
On early learning, ECAP and child care, advocates praised rate increases in the governor’s proposal (an 18% ECAP provider rate increase and maintaining Working Connections child care rates at the 85th percentile), but urged prompt action on slots and on equity for part‑day providers. Andrea Gamboa, a National Board‑certified teacher, and other witnesses strongly opposed proposals to cut stipends for National Board Certified Teachers, saying the reductions would amount to a pay cut for experienced teachers and would undermine retention and mentorship roles.
Ending: Education witnesses said they are willing to work with the legislature but asked the committee to prioritize MSOC, special education, 9th grade supports and protection for ECAP and teacher incentives in the final budget.
