The bill aims to address the financial challenges faced by school districts in Washington due to the current enrichment levy model, which has adversely affected their ability to hire and retain qualified staff. The legislature recognizes that while a regionalized salary model exists for state-funded school employees, it has not been extended to local levy-funded employees. To remedy this situation, the bill proposes aligning local levy-funded school district salaries with the state salary model starting in 2025, thereby allowing districts to address staffing issues without imposing additional costs on state taxpayers.

In terms of specific amendments, the bill modifies RCW 84.52.0531 by changing the maximum dollar amount for enrichment levies from "two dollars and fifty cents" to "$2.50" per $1,000 of assessed property value. It also introduces a new structure for the maximum per-pupil limit, which will now be adjusted based on a regionalization factor for districts starting in 2025. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to inflation and enrollment calculations, ensuring that school districts can effectively plan and implement their enrichment levy expenditure plans.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 84.52.0531
Substitute Bill: 84.52.0531