Hello Whittier PTA Community,
Despite a rising revenue forecast, the legislature is once again proposing to cut public education - failing Washington's most vulnerable students and repeating a familiar pattern of broken promises on school funding. The budget is being written right now so there is still time to change course. But we need your voice today.
Our school districts can’t take another hit. Students deserve support and equitable access to education. Act NOW: Please contact legislative budget writers no later than Thursday, March 5.
Tell legislative budget writers to change course – time is running out! The February revenue forecast projects $827 million more in collections this biennium - $1.8 billion more over the next three and a half years. HOWEVER, both the House and Senate have proposed cutting public education anyway.
These cuts fall hardest on the students who can least afford to lose support. Schools are the hearts of our neighborhoods where many at risk children and youth access crucial wrap around supports. In uncertain times like these, community hubs should be strengthened, not hollowed out.
Districts Are Already at the Breaking Point
Districts across Washington are using voter-approved levy dollars just to keep the lights on - covering basic costs like MSOC, transportation, and special education services that the state has chronically underfunded. We’re seeing a record number of districts in, or at risk of, binding conditions: one step short of bankruptcy. Since the McCleary “solution” in 2018, K12’s share of the state budget has dropped by nearly ten percentage points, and inflation-adjusted per-student funding is down $275 million statewide.
A January 2025 poll found 74% of Washington voters support increased K12 funding - yet these budgets move in the opposite direction.
What’s on the Chopping Block:
- Transition to Kindergarten (TK): Senate −$39M | House −$19M. TK provides voluntary, school-based pre-kindergarten for children — particularly those from low-income families or with developmental delays — who need an additional year of structured early learning to build the foundational skills for kindergarten success.
- Local Effort Assistance (LEA): Senate −$59M | House −$25M. LEA helps communities with lower property values fund vital school programs, ensuring students aren’t shortchanged because of their zip code.
- Running Start: Both chambers −$14M. Running Start allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses tuition-free, opening doors to higher education for students across Washington.
- School bus depreciation: Both chambers −$21M. This funding supports the replacement of aging school buses, keeping students safe on their way to and from school.
- MSOC (Materials, Supplies & Operating Costs): No new investment in either budget. MSOC covers the everyday costs of running a school - utilities, insurance, and basic supplies - and has been chronically underfunded for years.
Your Voice Is Needed Now
Use our pre-drafted letter to contact key budget writers on the House Appropriations and Senate Ways & Means committees. Ask them to preserve the TK, LEA and Running Start programs and bus depreciation schedules as is in the 2026 supplemental operating budget and invest $100 per student or $100,000 - whichever is greater - in MSOC.
It takes just a few minutes - and numbers matter. Please share this alert widely.
Deadline: Thursday, March 5
Thank you for your advocacy,
Kyle Hiatt, Whittier PTA Legislative Rep