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Educators and district leaders press senators to boost MSOC funding amid rising utilities and insurance costs
Summary
At a Jan. 21 hearing, school directors, superintendents, PTAs and business officers urged the Senate to pass SB 59‑18, which would raise materials, supplies and operating costs (MSOC) allocations by $100 per student or $100,000 per district to help cover rising fixed expenses such as utilities and insurance.
Staff told senators SB 59‑18 would increase MSOC allocations by $100 per student or $100,000 per district, beginning in the 2026–27 school year; OSPI estimated a material fiscal impact across upcoming biennia.
Committee members asked whether the new allocations would be restricted to MSOC only; staff replied there is no limiting language in the bill as drafted, although prior increases in earlier bills did include MSOC‑only restrictions. Several witnesses urged that new funds be dedicated exclusively to MSOC.
Testimony in favor came from a cross‑section of K‑12 stakeholders: a kindergarten teacher and Renton Education Association president said local levies and teacher purchases have filled MSOC gaps and that inadequate funding prevents curriculum adoption; school business officers and superintendents described large district shortfalls and increasing insurance and utility costs; the Washington State PTA and school board directors urged the legislature to treat MSOC as basic education; district leaders said the proposal’s $100,000 floor would assist small districts.
Opposition testimony from a taxpayer group questioned where additional funding would come from amid projected deficits and raised affordability concerns.
Speakers repeatedly said that when MSOC allocations lag cost increases, districts defer purchases, cut enrichment and tap local levies to keep buildings open and maintain services. Several witnesses asked the committee to move SB 59‑18 forward to Ways & Means so the Legislature can consider the funding source and any MSOC‑only restrictions.
No committee vote on SB 59‑18 was recorded in the Jan. 21 session; the committee took testimony and requested follow‑up materials from stakeholders.
