The bill addresses funding challenges faced by Washington's school districts due to inflation, which has reduced their purchasing power for essential materials and operating costs. To enhance financial support for basic education, the legislature proposes an increase in funding allocations, including a minimum of $1,614.28 per full-time equivalent student for materials, supplies, and operating costs, with annual adjustments for inflation starting in the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, the bill introduces specific allocations for high school students and ensures that districts receiving less than $100,000 receive adequate funding. It also mandates school districts to report their expenditures to promote transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, the bill outlines criteria for schools to qualify for additional funding based on their participation in the USDA's community eligibility provision and historical eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. It establishes minimum allocations for high poverty-based funding, including provisions for extra instructional hours for various programs. The bill mandates adjustments for prototypical high schools and middle schools to account for underreporting of meal eligibility and requires biennial reviews of the basic education funds distribution formula by the superintendent and governor, with legislative oversight on any recommended changes.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.150.260
Substitute bill: 28A.150.260