Bellevue School District’s Post

The Yakima Herald-Republic published an informative article highlighting the efforts of superintendents and leaders across the state to address the current funding system for school districts. Currently, districts derive a significant portion of their funding from local property taxes. This means districts with higher property values can raise more money, while districts with lower property values struggle, even if they try to raise taxes, resulting in an unequal model that doesn’t serve all students well. Programs like Local Effort Assistance help, but they don’t solve the problem completely. To improve the situation, Superintendents Aramaki and Trevor Greene from Yakima initiated a collaborative group comprising over 20 superintendents from across Washington. With help from the University of Washington, they’re working on a plan to make school funding fairer. Their goal is to ensure schools receive funding based on students' needs, rather than just the number of students enrolled. This would help students who need extra support, like those learning English or living in poverty. The group’s five-year plan focuses on key areas such as transportation, special education, and school operating costs. State lawmakers are joining the conversation, sharing their ideas and helping the group understand how laws are made. The coalition is preparing for the 2026 legislative session and collaborating with other committees to advocate for funding changes. Bellevue School District is committed to working with others to ensure every student receives the support they need, regardless of their location or the challenges they face. How You Can Help We encourage parents, staff, and community members to stay informed and get involved. Your voice matters! Here’s how you can support our schools: Learn more about school funding and the challenges districts face. Stay informed through school board meetings and community forums to share your ideas and concerns. Contact your state legislators to express your support for fair funding for all students. Join district advocacy efforts and stay connected with updates as we work toward positive change. Together, we can help ensure every student receives the support and opportunities they deserve. https://lnkd.in/gSnVZr9t