Phasing in more state funding: Mixed bag HB 2776 starts phasing in basic ed finance reform. The new, more transparent funding formulas based on the prototypical schools model will be implemented at current funding levels. Class-size reduction and all-day K will be phased in starting in the 2011-2013 biennium. Transportation funding will be increased starting in 2011-2013; utilities, maintenance and operations costs will be adjusted in 2015. No mention of increased class time for kids or more periods in middle and high school. [ more... ]
HB 2893: Levy lid lifted Levies are for enhancement only and are capped at a percentage of a district's overall budget. If the state sends less, districts collect less. When the state cut K-12 funding, it meant districts couldn't collect as much as much through local levies.
HB 2893:
- Restores phantom dollars -- levy money lost when the state cut I-728 and I-732 funds. Through 2017, districts can collect as if they weren't cut.
- Increases the levy lid by 4 percent for 2011-2017
- Increases Local Levy Assistance to 14 percent (LEA goes to property-poor districts)for 2011-2017
- Allows districts to return to voters in the middle of a levy cycle to ask for more
- Includes the K-4 enhancement program dollars in the levy base, should they be reduced
Note: Most school districts can only collect 24 percent of their overall budget. Seattle is grandfathered in at 32 percent.
SCPTSA did not take a position on the levy bill. Public testimony cited fiscal crisis in some districts.
Inequities between property rich and property poor districts are a concern to many PTA members across the state. Also of concern is the shifting of state costs onto local property owners. [ more... ]
- Redefining "basic ed" -- and getting the state to commit to the real costs of educating Seattle's children. (Accomplished via HB 2261)
- Moving to a prototypical school funding model, so taxpayers can understand what the state is budgeting for and can better monitor decisions made at the district level (Laid out in HB 2261; to be implemented via HB 2776)
- More accurate funding models for transportation, utilities and maintenance costs
- More transparency around the district process so members can understand central admin costs and weigh in on how they affect school-site budgets.
In March, 2010 the State Legislature passed bills to roll out changes to the state funding model and to allow school districts to temporarily lift the levy lid. [ more... ]
Equitable funding levels Per pupil funding varies dramatically in Seattle schools. The averages: Elementary, $6,682; middle school, $6,675; high school, $6,728; non-traditional $7,414.
When broken down by school, though, the differences can range more than $4,000. This year, per pupil funding at Laurelhurst K-5 is $5,103. At Northgate K-5, it is $9,354. [ download / view file ]
