Funding Challenges

Legislative Timelines for Education:

While the legislative session may be over for the time being, the 'to-do' list of work they left in their aftermath is large and just beginning! As a result of this session (and even sessions before) there is much work to be done and some short timelines to get it all done. Several different committees and work groups were created by the legislature to work on different pieces within K-12 education. The legislature also required the work be accounted for through many reports with specified deadlines. Sprinkled throughout this platter of assignments are opportunities for teacher participation. To find out more about the work, timelines and teacher participation opportunities click here.

Education Funding Bill - HB 2261

House Bill 2261 was passed by the legislature and begins the process of redefining basic education in Washington. Early in session, two other bills - HB 1410 and SB 5607 - were introduced based on recommendations of the Basic Education Finance Task Force. They were very controversial among education stakeholder groups and legislators, and ultimately died mid-way through session. HB 2261, a lesser-version of the previous bills, was then introduced and after much amending in both the House and Senate, was finally passed and signed by the Governor.

Click on the hyperlinks below for information about the bill:

1. CSTP's summary table breaks out what the state currently provides or does in each area, what the state will provide or do as a result of the bill, a timeline and page reference.
2. HB 2261 as it was signed by the Governor
3. Governor's veto message

Education Budget:

The legislature finally came to agreement on the 2009 - 11 biennial state budget. Given the $9 billion shortfall, legislators had to make many tough decisions that did not bode well for education or other social service areas, in general. However, they were able to use some of the federal stimulus dollars to backfill some of their education cuts.

Click on the hyperlinks below for more information about the budget:

• CSTP's 3-way budget summary table highlights some of the education budget items, as they were proposed during session by the house and senate, and then the final budget they approved.
• Final Budget Bill - education starts in section 501.