3 WA school districts prepare to sue state over funding

Three Washington school districts are preparing to sue the state over education funding.

According to The Washington State Standard, Lake Washington, Tacoma, and Yakima say local levies are covering expenses the state should pay.

Lake Washington and Tacoma school boards authorized preparations for a lawsuit on Oct. 22. Yakima followed on Nov. 2. Together, the districts serve more than 74,000 students, but they have not announced when a lawsuit would be filed.

The 2012 McCleary decision ordered Washington to fully fund basic education. The court found the state in compliance in 2018, but the districts say funding is falling short again.

Districts face rising costs and funding gaps

Transportation, utilities and insurance have become more expensive, while enrollment has declined. Eleven Washington school districts are now under state financial oversight, The Washington State Standard reported.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) supports the districts’ efforts. Chief Strategy Officer Katy Payne said districts spend approximately $800 million annually in local and federal funding to cover expenses that should be the state’s responsibility.

“While litigation is never a first choice, OSPI and school districts have been sounding the alarm about underfunding for several years,” Payne told The Washington State Standard.

Payne said funding shortages have contributed to staff cuts, larger classes and discussions about closing schools. She urged the governor and Legislature to address the gap in the coming legislative session.