Posted May 19, 2009

With the passage of ESHB 2261, the Legislature has started our state on a journey toward building a basic education finance system that will truly support Washington’s commitment to success for all students. As a longtime proponent of K-12 finance reform, the Washington State School Directors’ Association is ready to assist the Legislature in implementing this landmark legislation.

Our association has been engaged in this issue for many years, bringing the unique perspective of school boards to the Washington Learns project, to the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance, and to the Legislature itself. We are pleased to have been a part of bringing forth ideas that were ultimately incorporated in ESHB 2261, including the prototypical school funding model and the Quality Education Council.

WSSDA recognizes that the adoption of ESHB 2261 resulted from a long process of study, debate and compromise. We also realize that this legislation is a “road map” rather than a finished product, and that many difficult decisions and discussions lie ahead.

We believe it is our collective responsibility to ensure the new system is established appropriately and that it is ultimately effective in fulfilling the goals of the standards-based education reform effort begun 15 years ago. With that in mind, WSSDA and our members are eager to assist the Legislature in implementing this important measure.

We are especially pleased that WSSDA will have school director representation on the work groups established by the bill. Since locally elected school boards are ultimately responsible for carrying out the Legislature’s direction, we appreciate the opportunity to be engaged in key decisions related to revenue, local levies, and compensation.

Also, WSSDA will closely monitor the work of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board and the new Quality Education Council, and provide input as opportunities arise.

Adoption of ESHB 2261 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure a successful future for all our children, an opportunity that we simply cannot pass up. We look forward to working on a successful journey.

Martha Rice, President
Martharose Laffey, Executive Director

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