Calling Washington’s K-12 finance system "obsolete," WSSDA President Quent Goodrich has called on a state study commission to propose a new funding structure for public schools that will "prepare our students for the future."
In testimony to the Washington Learns Steering Committee, Goodrich and a number of other education organizations stressed the need to fix structural problems within the state’s K-12 finance system before embarking on ambitious new goals and strategies.
"The hard truth is that our finance system is obsolete given the job we have to do," said Goodrich. "We need a funding system that is predictable, stable and equitable. We need a funding system that matches resources with needs, goals and objectives. We need a funding system that prepares our students for the future."
Created by the Legislature, Washington Learns is an 18-month effort to study and recommend changes in Washington’s education system. Last month, the Washington Learns Steering Committee released a preliminary report outlining eight objectives designed to transform the current system into a seamless integration of early learning, K-12 and higher education. The objectives address areas such as early learning, math and science, technology, accountability and efficiency, community involvement, and arts education.
While complementing the committee on its work and its vision, Goodrich pointed out that the Legislature is specifically asking for a comprehensive K-12 finance study and recommendations on how the state can best provide stable funding for student learning at all levels.
"WSSDA asked for a K-12 finance study because in the last 30 years there have been tremendous changes in the world and in education — but very little change in the way we fund our education system," Goodrich said. "If we are to meet expectations, our K-12 system will need additional resources and strategic investments."
Goodrich encouraged the committee to include the recommendations of its K-12 Advisory Committee, which has put forth a comprehensive package of specific proposals. Among those highlighted by Goodrich:
Redefine Basic Education based on the goals and learning requirements enacted under HB 1209, and reaffirm that the state is responsible for fully funding this definition
Fix current structural problems with the funding system, including elimination of levy and salary grandfathering
Develop a new teacher compensation system, and give teachers time and resources to learn how to teach to the state’s education standards
Phase in full-day kindergarten, reduce class sizes, and add learning time and support for struggling students
Ensure that the way education dollars are allocated and spent is "transparent" and understandable for everyone, and provide an effective system of program accountability
The steering committee is holding a series of public hearings around the state through Sept. 21, after which it will hold a meeting Oct. 9 to start finalizing its report. The committee’s completed report and recommendations to the Legislature will be presented at a "summit" in Seattle Nov. 13.
Goodrich pledged WSSDA’s support in helping educate the public about the need to fix the state’s K-12 finance system and transform education at all levels.
"We understand the challenges that will flow from completion of this study," said Goodrich. "The political, legislative and public relations ramifications will be huge. We are eager to be a partner in helping our citizens understand why we must take dramatic steps to assure a positive future for our children and our state."
