School Funding 113

Join your local PTA to assist in school fundraising events this year.

School funding in Washington has changed a lot over the past few years.

Although the state has provided more funding many districts face big budget challenges.

So what's the problem?

Watch this video.

Despite the added money the new funding model, called the McCleary fix
still falls short of the true cost of many essential school district services.

The legislature offset the state funding increases by reducing the amount school districts raise from local levies.

Funding is now based on a state average, which penalizes districts with experienced teachers.

Funding is adjusted by an imperfect regional cost model that creates challenges in

recruiting and retaining teachers.

The state fails to catch up property poor districts.

So even when these districts pass their levies, there's still a gap in

enrichment funding between affluent and less affluent districts of $1,000 per student.

Without legislative action school districts face cuts to programs and staff. Simply put it means with no funding schools will have to look at fundraising.

Contact your district to learn more about their budget challenges.

Contact your local congressman. Then join your local PTA to see how you can help make a difference. Our children need every little bit you can do to help. Learn more about School Funding 13 here.