Seattle Public Schools closures funded

fight to fully fund schools Eleanor Bridge Jayaram

Eleanor Bridge Jayaram is a
senior policy analyst and the youth
advocacy lead at the Seattle-based,
statewide advocacy organization
League of Education Voters.

Washington’s school funding system has long been scrutinized for its ability to fully fund education and meet the diverse needs of students. However, recent budget shortfalls have left many school districts, including Seattle Public Schools (SPS), in especially untenable financial situations and facing difficult decisions about their paths forward.

Recently, the League of Education Voters published a report that looks more closely at the school funding crisis in Washington, “Underfunded and Unsustainable: An In-Depth Look at the School Funding Crisis in Washington and Its Impact on School Communities.” The report details how inflation, increased staffing costs, and the diverse and growing needs of students have significantly strained district budgets across the state. Between the 2019-20 and 2022-23 school years, spending on staffing increased by 19.7% across the state, while expenditures on essentials like supplies, food, and insurance have seen increases of 30 to 50%.

Increasing student need

Moreover, the needs of the students have significantly grown in the past few years, especially as it relates to mental and behavioral health. Schools are struggling to keep up and afford what their communities need from them, while the state significantly underfunds staff positions like psychologists, social workers, counselors, and more.

In districts like SPS, these circumstances are leading to incredibly difficult decisions. Despite these significant challenges, there are proactive steps parents and guardians can take to advocate for fully funded schools.

What you can do

Stay informed and educate others: Understanding the complexities of school funding is the first step. Read resources, talk to other advocates, and stay connected to organizations, like League of Education Voters Foundation, working on addressing the funding crisis. Sharing accurate information with other parents and community members can help build a unified voice demanding change. Learn more at educationvoters.org
Engage with local school boards: Attend school board meetings and speak during public comment periods. Express concerns about budget cuts, school closures, and their impacts on students and communities. Encourage the board to advocate for state funding structures centered on the needs of students.
Contact state legislators and attend legislative hearings: Reach out to your state representatives and senators to demand increased and equitable funding for public schools. Write letters, make phone calls, and schedule meetings to highlight the urgency of the issue. During the legislative session, you can testify at legislative hearings, in person or online, sharing personal stories and data to make a compelling case.
Join or form advocacy groups: Collaborate with other parents and community members to amplify advocacy efforts. Joining existing groups like The Seattle Council PTSA or forming new coalitions can provide resources, support, and a stronger collective voice.
Elevate equitable funding in election discussions: Make equitable school funding a key issue in the upcoming election cycle. Focus on races for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Governor, and state legislative seats. Support and vote for candidates who prioritize fully funding public schools and advocate for equitable distribution of resources.