11th Legislative District Education Funding Priorities

From the office of Rep. Steve Bergquist

As we navigate the complexities of allocating funds amidst diverse educational needs, your perspective is crucial. Your feedback will help me understand your priorities, inform legislative decisions, and ensure that our education system reflects the values and needs of our community.

I invite you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help shape the future of education in our state.

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* 1. K-12 Education Funding: Your insights into these priorities will guide our approach to addressing the needs of students, educators, and school communities across Washington State.

Please rank the following K-12 budget areas from what you consider most important to least important. "1" being the most important and "7" being the least important.

Support for Special Education Students
Further increase the special education funding cap to 17.25%, enhancing services for districts with high populations of students with special needs.

Amount: $17 million (Education Legacy Trust Account)

Supporting Behavioral Health and Opioid Use Prevention
Description: Educate students about opioid risks and provide school-based behavioral health services.

Amount: $125,000 (General Fund-State) for education, $2 million (General Fund-State) for service provision

Enhancing Climate-Based Education
Integrate climate change content in state learning standards and develop resources for teacher development in climate science education.

Amount: $4 million (General Fund-State)

Preparing Students for High-Demand Careers
Investment in IT certification opportunities for middle and high school students and the Rally for College initiative.

Amount: $3 million each (Workforce Education Investment Account)

Funding the Purchase of Zero Emission School Buses (HB 1368)
HB 1368 proposes the transition to zero-emission school buses in Washington State's public K12 schools, aiming to reduce environmental impact and improve student health. This bill mandates that, starting in 2030, a significant percentage of new school bus purchases must be zero-emission vehicles, and it establishes a grant program for this purpose, administered by the Department of Ecology.

Amount: $85,000,000

Enhancing Funding for Charter Public Schools (HB 1897)
HB 1897 addresses the need for equitable funding for charter public schools in Washington State. This bill focuses on providing enrichment funding to these schools, aligning them more closely with the funding provided to other public schools. The legislation is aimed at ensuring charter schools have the necessary resources to support diverse student populations and meet their unique educational needs effectively.

Amount: $38,592,000

Increasing Student Access to Free Meals at Public Schools (HB 2058)
HB 2058 aims to increase access to nutritious meals for all students in public schools, including school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools. Starting in the 2024–25 school year, this bill requires these institutions to provide breakfast and lunch without charge to any student who requests them, regardless of their eligibility for federally reimbursed meals. This initiative is a response to the growing need to ensure that all students have access to healthy meals at school, which is vital for their physical and mental well-being and academic success.

Amount: $116,000,000

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* 2. K12 Workforce: Your insights will contribute to shaping strategies that ensure our schools are well-staffed with skilled professionals, ultimately fostering a more nurturing and effective learning environment for every student.

Please rank the following K-12 budget areas from what you consider most important to least important. "1" being the most important and "6" being the least important.

Improving Paraeducator Compensation
Provide a $3 per hour wage increase for paraeducators, equating to an average 11% wage increase.

Amount: $64 million (General Fund-State), $161,000 (Washington Opportunity Pathways Account)

Securing Benefits for Contracted Bus Staff
Allow contract bus drivers and related staff to opt into SEBB coverage and retirement benefits.

Amount: $425,000 (General Fund-State)

Aligning State and Local Levy-Funded School Staff Salaries (HB 2215)
HB 2215 aims to address discrepancies between state-funded and local levy-funded school employee salaries. This bill intends to align the salary models to better support school districts in hiring and retaining qualified staff.

Amount: To Be Determined (TBD)

Increasing Allocations for School Administration and Staff (HB 2212)
HB 2212 is designed to increase funding allocations for principals, assistant principals, and other certificated building-level administrators in Washington State's public schools. This bill aims to better support school leadership and administration, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of education. It proposes adjustments in funding to ensure that school administrators are adequately resourced to effectively manage and lead schools.

Amount: $92,500,000

Enhancing School Libraries and Increasing Librarians (HB 2223)
HB 2223 is focused on strengthening school libraries by increasing the number of librarians in public schools. This bill acknowledges the pivotal role of libraries in educational environments and seeks to ensure adequate staffing to support this essential resource. By enhancing library services and providing more librarians, the bill aims to bolster information literacy, technology, and media support, thereby enriching the learning experience of students.

Amount: $127,660,000

Increasing Standard School Staffing to Better Meet Student Needs (HB 1960)
HB 1960 aims to address the rising crisis in youth mental and behavioral health by phasing in additional staffing allocations for paraprofessionals in instructional and non-instructional roles. This bill recognizes the growing pressures on students from social media and pandemic impacts, which often manifest as disruptive behaviors in schools. By increasing the number of caring and committed education staff, including those who provide direct support to students, HB 1960 intends to enhance individualized support for student learning and behavioral needs.

Amount: $110,826,000

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* 3. Which 11th LD community do you live in?

Renton

Tukwila

South Seattle

Other (please specify)

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* 3. Which 11th LD community do you live in?

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* 4. Your responses are anonymous, so if you'd like a personal reply: 1. Send me an email; or 2. Leave your name and phone number (optional)

* 4. Your responses are anonymous, so if you'd like a personal reply:
1. Send me an email; or
2. Leave your name and phone number (optional)