Realities of Education Funding in Washington State 2002: Why Schools are Struggling even after passing two education initiatives

prepared by Glenn Pascall

As school districts continue to make cuts to programs, many voters are asking why schools are still struggling even after the passage of two education initiatives.  This report, which was made possible by a generous grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, answers that question.  The report includes information on:

  • the loss of education funding over the past decade 
  • increasing dependence on local levies
  • the struggle to provide competitive teacher salaries 
  • the unfunded costs of special education and school construction 
  • legislative impacts on voter approved education initiatives
  • "behind the budget" case studies of six school districts

*NOTE* We have distributed all of our initial printing.  If you request a copy, you will be put on a waiting list and will be contacted if a second printing is made.  We are currently working to raise money for an additional printing.  If you would like to make a donation click here.

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11.24.08

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As state and local revenue declines, officials are looking for the trims least likely to harm the quality of education. Although some districts have rainy-day funds to tap, concern is growing that students, particularly those who are struggling to learn or who are homeless, are going to feel the pinch.

Click here to read more

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Click here to access the toolkit.