Washington Superintendent requests $2 billion for public schools

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has requested nearly $2 billion in additional funding for the state’s 2027-2029 budget to support more than 1 million public school students.

Of the total request, $1.2 billion is intended to meet constitutional requirements for basic education funding, as mandated by the state Supreme Court in the landmark McCleary case. The remaining funds are designated to expand learning assistance for low-income students and to restore funding for the Transition to Kindergarten program.

Reykdal noted that schools are currently struggling with rising operational costs, citing a record 11 schools that are under state oversight due to financial conditions. He emphasized that the request is necessary to fulfill the state’s constitutional duties despite potential budget shortfalls facing Governor Bob Ferguson and state lawmakers.