The bill aims to address the financial challenges faced by school districts in Washington due to the current enrichment levy model, which has hindered their ability to hire and retain qualified staff amidst rising living costs and inflation. It recognizes the disparity between state-funded and local levy-funded school employee salaries and seeks to align these salaries starting in 2025. The legislature intends to remedy the situation by allowing school districts to adjust their staffing issues locally without imposing additional costs on state taxpayers.

Key amendments to RCW 84.52.0531 include changes to the maximum dollar amount for enrichment levies, which is now set at $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, and adjustments to the per-pupil limit based on inflation and regionalization factors for the years 2025 through 2031. Additionally, the bill mandates that by December 1, 2025, the superintendent of public instruction must submit a report with recommendations to address ongoing school funding challenges, including issues related to school levies and regionalization.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 84.52.0531