The bill seeks to alleviate the rising operating costs for schools in Washington State by amending RCW 28A.150.260 and introducing new provisions aimed at enhancing funding for essential materials, supplies, and operational expenses. Recognizing that these costs are increasing beyond inflationary adjustments, the legislation mandates the superintendent of public instruction to report state per-pupil allocations for various educational programs, with school districts required to link to this report on their websites. Key amendments include significant increases in minimum allocations per student for technology, utilities, and insurance, with specific figures outlined, such as raising the technology allocation from $130.76 to $178.98.

Additionally, the bill establishes new requirements for prototypical schools, ensuring a minimum of 3.0 hours of extra instruction per week for exited students, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:15. It also adjusts allocations for programs supporting highly capable students and enhances funding for students with disabilities. Importantly, the bill mandates full state funding for materials, supplies, and operational costs for the 2023-24 school year, with provisions that the act will become null and void if specific funding is not included in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.260
Substitute Bill: 28A.150.260
Engrossed Substitute: 28A.150.260
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28A.150.260
Session Law: 28A.150.260