We are committed to improving outcomes for all students through the provision of basic education with the services and supports students need to engage in their learning. The current formulas to allocate state funding to school districts result in funding gaps that require districts to use local funds to cover the costs of meeting students’ needs. As costs continue to rise, district’s use more local dollars to bridge the gap. To address these structural issues and ensure every student is provided state-funded access to their basic education and mandated services, the funding formulas for Special Education, Transportation, and Materials Supplies and Operating Costs (MSOC) need to be revised to fully fund these costs. 

Special Education. Increase the special education tiered multipliers and remove enrollment funding caps to cover the cost of providing special education services. Support unique needs of students through addressing safety net funding and support best practices by investing in professional development, particularly for inclusionary practices.

Transportation. Revise the student transportation funding formula to ensure transparency, predictability, and sufficient funding to fully cover the actual costs of student transportation. Allow additional types of vehicles to qualify for funding for students requiring specialized transportation, such as students with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, or in foster care.  

Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs. Increase the Materials Supplies and Operating Costs (MSOC) rate to account for the actual costs of operating a school district, including significant increases to insurance and utilities rates.

In addition to the funding priorities above, we are focusing on the heart of what we do as a school system: providing excellence in education for every student through high-quality teaching and learning experiences to prepare every Seattle Public Schools student for college, career, and community.

High-quality instruction. Increase access to high-quality instruction by investing in educators and instructional tools. Invest in attracting and retaining diverse, culturally responsive, and effective educators, including paraeducators and substitute teachers, as well as principals and assistant principals. Invest in tools for students and educators, including culturally responsive curricula, ethnic studies, and professional development to support inclusive practices.

Safe and supportive schools. Invest in trauma-informed mental health and social emotional supports, including harm reduction, as well as restorative practices, including alternatives to exclusionary discipline. Invest in staff and systems to provide physically safe school buildings and learning environments for our students.

To provide our students with the opportunities and education to meet their goals, we need to provide high-quality learning spaces, sustainable operations, and additional staff, salaries, and programs beyond what is funded by basic education allocations.

 High-quality and sustainable capital investments. Provide state capital funding for accessible, high-quality learning environments. Allow for flexibility in the use of local capital funds to cover maintenance costs and purchase curriculum. Support school districts’ success in achieving the goals of the state Clean Buildings Performance Standard and reducing the district’s carbon footprint by providing funding for required assessments and green investments.

Access to full levy capacity. Provide the ability for Seattle Public Schools to meet the rising costs of providing education in our region by allowing districts in Washington State such as Seattle to capture the full local enrichment levy amount authorized by its voters. Increase LEA for eligible districts to increase access to enrichment funds for all students.