Enrollment + Staffing Formulas + Salaries + Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs = Key factors for general apportionment.

PROTOTYPICAL FUNDING MODEL

Washington State school districts are funded through four primary sources: the State, the Federal Government, local taxpayers, and other local fees.

The state's funding formula for K-12 education is called the Prototypical School Funding Model*. The Washington State Basic Education Act of 1977 originated the funding model and outlined the definition of basic education in public schools. This model determines the base amount of funding each district receives per student based on a fixed theoretical school size enrollment. The model establishes minimum staff-to-student ratios for various positions such as principals, teachers, custodians, nurses, and more. The dollars received by school districts based on this model is called General Apportionment.
*RCW28A.150.260

WHAT THAT MEANS IN ESD

There are still several areas that the state does not fully fund regarding basic education. Some examples in the Enumclaw School District are health room professionals, paraeducators, school psychologists, custodians, and counselors. School districts are responsible for finding ways to make up the difference in funding.

Did you notice?
Maintenance and construction costs are not part of the state funding formula. Large projects regarding facilities can typically only be funded through a voter-approved bond/levy.

WHAT IS MCCLEARY?

In 2007, the Washington Supreme Court ruled in the McCleary v. Washington case that the state was not meeting its constitutional duty to "make ample provision for the education of all children." The court found that the state's education funding system relied too heavily on local property taxes, leading to significant disparities in funding between wealthier and poorer school districts.

The court ordered the state to take action and develop a plan to "fully fund basic education" by 2018. Over the years, the court issued several follow-up rulings, asserting that the state had not adequately addressed the funding issue.

As a result of the McCleary case, the Washington State Legislature enacted a series of reforms aimed at increasing education funding and improving outcomes. While the McCleary ruling and subsequent legislative actions have made strides in addressing education funding, it is insufficient in lightening the local tax burden covered by levies and bonds.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS LEVIES FILL THE GAP

Learn more about Washington State school funding at https://www.waschoolfunding.org/