State Funding is Insufficient to Cover K-12 Education Needs in Washington

Washington State is required by State Constitution to provide ample funding to support basic K-12 education, but it does not provide enough to support students' needs. This is a main reason why school districts across the state are making budget cuts or closing schools. School districts are providing what students need – such as qualified educators, materials and supplies, insurance, transportation, and special education services – but the state has not increased funding to cover these costs! Many districts are therefore raising local levies or making major programming cuts or harmful school closures, which is hurting communities across Washington.

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Washington State is estimated to have a $4 billion funding gap for K-12 public education, according to State's Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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In 2024, Washington State spends $1,000 less per student than they did in 2018 when accounted for inflation, and yet student needs have increased since the pandemic.

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Washington State only covers 74% of district costs for special education services statewide, which is a $590 million gap between what Washington State provides and what districts have to spend.

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Since 2018, school district costs have risen by 39% for bus fuel, 37% for electricity, 33% for milk, and 18% for teacher salaries, but state funds allocated to districts has not kept pace.

Source for data: Washington School Funding, Washington Association of School Administrators; Performance Audit of Special Education: Funding Formulas and Spending, JLARC