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Reykdal opposes cutting national board bonuses, pitches progressive revenue as funding path
Summary
In response to reporters, Reykdal said he will not support eliminating national board bonuses to close budget gaps and urged progressive revenue options (wealth or capital gains taxes) combined with limited efficiencies to fund education needs.
When asked about potential revenue options and whether OSPI would support cuts such as eliminating national board bonuses, Chris Reykdal said the office would not back removing those bonuses and urged targeting revenue toward wealthier taxpayers instead.
"National board bonuses...these are some of our most accomplished educators," Reykdal said, arguing that cutting the program would send the wrong message to teachers who invest in professional growth. He described the bonuses as roughly $200,000,000 in total and said that balancing the education budget should not come from reducing teacher compensation.
On revenue, Reykdal said the priorities are (1) revenue adequacy to fund basic education without harming social-safety-net programs and (2) making the tax code more progressive so those who have benefited most pay a fairer share. He listed options such as a wealth tax or higher capital-gains revenue as viable examples and said components of any revenue plan could be structured to protect lower- and middle-income households through targeted credits.
Reykdal also addressed rising insurance costs and litigation exposure as drivers of higher district operating costs and said the legislature could consider liability-limit reforms but that such solutions would not be quick enough to solve short-term district funding distress.
