Last week, Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal warned that the state could be sued for paying too little to cover its basic K-12 education needs.
Next week, on January 30, parents, educators, and others will march on Olympia to demand that the state meet its constitutional obligation to provide local school districts enough money to keep pace with rising costs.
Lack of funding leads to district cuts and closures
The leaders of the education advocacy group All Together for Seattle Schools say the lack of adequate funding is a primary reason why school districts across the state are making budget cuts or closing schools. Without adequate state funding, these parent advocates say, school districts like Seattle are going into debt to provide students with qualified educators, learning materials, special education services, transportation, and more.
“Hundreds will be showing up in Olympia to demonstrate that the state must prioritize amply funding public schools this session,” said Alex Wakeman, a Seattle parents and co-founder of All Together for Seattle Schools. “Fully funding public schools is a civil rights and economic justice issue, and our state has the opportunity to be bold and invest in Washington communities everywhere. We believe that honest, equitable, and fully funded public education is the cornerstone of building a just, multiracial democracy where everyone has the freedom to thrive. In one of the wealthiest and most progressive states in the U.S., public schools should not be fighting for crumbs.”
Danica Noble, whose kids attend Seattle Public Schools, says she’ll attend the event with her children.
“In PTA meetings across Seattle, I’ve become heartbroken witnessing schools making painful cuts that affect all students, from art and music programs to essential reading support,” Noble said. “My goal is to emphasize that raising revenues for public education isn’t just a choice — a fundamental obligation — and a duty they have sworn to uphold when they took office. I also want to express gratitude to those legislators who have been championing this cause.”
Jenn Elliott Blake, another parent in the Seattle School District, called the state to task for “failing our public school students.” She’ll be attending the rally with her third grader.
“I think it’s important for him to see how you should speak up when you see injustices in your state and your country,“ she said. “I want him to know he has a voice and can advocate for his own education.”
The biggest bake sale to support three big goals
Parents and educators from across the state have hosted 25 “Billion Dollar Bake Sales“ to raise awareness about Washington’s school funding crisis. Advocacy Day 2025 marks the final, biggest bake sale event, organizers say, as they reach out to lawmakers with a united message: provide ample funding for schools, not crumbs.
Those who attend the event will receive training in how to advocate for the issues they care about and to push lawmakers to achieve three things during the current session:
- Prevent devastating school district cuts for 2025-26
- Secure at least $4 billion per year of stable long-term funding for K-12 public education
- Commit to making Washington State a leader in public education
If you go
Children are welcome. Advocacy Day is a great way to give kids hands-on education and experience of the legislative process and what individuals can do to advocate for issues they care about. However, parents should note that no childcare will be available during the event. There will be activities for school field trip groups that may have space for parents and children who are not part of a group, but field trip participants will receive priority if space is limited.
Wear red. Red is the color of education advocacy. Organizers encourage attendees to wear warm red clothing and bring their own snacks and lunch.
Meeting lawmakers. Event organizers are scheduling legislator meetings for attendees who registered by January 17. If you have not already registered, consider writing to your lawmaker in support of increasing school funding. You can learn how to message your lawmaker on the legislature website.
Get the schedule for the event. Organizers have a full list of activities planned for Advocacy Day, including advocacy training, sign-making, lawmaker meetings, and a rally at Tivoli Fountain outside the Capitol Building at 10 a.m. To review the schedule, go to the Billion Dollar Bake Sale event page.
Track education bill
The League of Education voters is tracking all legislation of impact to schools. Follow these important bills on the LEV Bill Tracker.
