April 21st, 2026

Washington state doubles spending for schools, but test scores decrease

Washington has increased per-pupil spending by 110%. We now spend about $20,300 per student per year. Inflation over that same period rose about 35%. Washington’s education spending grew at three times the rate of inflation. The test score line goes the other direction. Catastrophically.

Charlie Harger has more in his latest commentary.

Charlie Harger

Seattle's Morning News