On November 20, 2024, more than 50 school superintendents and education leaders from across Southwest Washington gathered virtually for the ESD 112 2024-25 Legislative Forum. The forum provided a vital opportunity for regional educators to engage lawmakers on pressing issues impacting K-12 schools.
The forum centered on the “Big 3” legislative priorities for 2025 identified by ESD 112 region superintendents:
- Fully Funding Special Education
Special education remains a constitutional requirement, yet chronic underfunding continues to create inequities for districts with high-need student populations. Advocates urged legislators to remove the funding cap, increase the per-student multiplier, and expand safety net funding. This would address the growing gap between district costs and state funding, currently forcing districts to divert nearly $500 million annually from local levies to cover the shortfall.
- Fixing Pupil Transportation Funding
Transportation costs remain unpredictable and insufficiently funded under the current Student Transportation Allocation Reporting System (STARS). School leaders called for a comprehensive reform to make transportation funding more transparent and adequate. The existing formula’s inefficiencies have placed undue financial strain on districts, hindering their ability to budget effectively.
- Addressing Rising Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOC)
Rising costs for essential items, such as insurance, food, and fuel, have outpaced state funding allocations, leaving districts struggling to cover gaps through local levies. Leaders stressed the need for updated funding formulas that reflect current economic realities and allow districts to allocate resources effectively without compromising student programs and services.
A Unified Call for Change
During the event, speakers reflected on the challenges schools face in the wake of the McCleary decision, enrollment declines, and the ongoing financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As one school leader stated, “We’re at a crossroads where tough decisions must be made, but without adequate legislative support, our ability to provide equitable education for all students is at risk.”
Lawmakers expressed their commitment to exploring solutions and acknowledging the critical role of state funding in supporting educational equity and opportunity.
Looking Ahead
ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino closed the forum by emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy.
“Our schools are the backbone of our communities. It’s imperative that we work together—educators, lawmakers, and families—to ensure every student has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
The Legislative Forum served as a critical platform for collaboration, underscoring the shared responsibility of supporting Washington’s schools in meeting the needs of students today and in the future.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.