The bill amends RCW 28A.150.260 to improve the allocation of state funding for school districts, ensuring they can effectively deliver a basic education program. It establishes a distribution formula for basic education instructional allocations, which will be recommended to the legislature by the governor and the superintendent of public instruction. The bill emphasizes transparency by requiring the superintendent to report per-pupil allocations for various educational programs and mandates that school districts provide links to this report on their websites. Key provisions include a minimum allocation of $1,656.50 per full-time equivalent student for materials, supplies, and operating costs, which will be adjusted annually for inflation starting in fiscal year 2026, as well as specific class sizes and minimum staffing allocations for prototypical schools.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for calculating school district allocations based on full-time equivalent student enrollment, averaging total annual enrollment over the prior three school years. It enhances funding for career and technical education courses and programs aimed at supporting students who are not meeting academic standards, including those eligible for free or reduced-price meals and English language learners. The bill mandates enhanced allocations for highly capable students and students with disabilities, requires a biennial review of the distribution formula, and addresses adjustments for underreporting of meal eligibility among middle and high school students. The definition of full-time equivalent students will be determined by the superintendent of public instruction, with any changes requiring legislative approval.