This bill amends RCW 28A.150.260 to improve the funding allocation for school districts, specifically targeting the costs associated with utilities and insurance. It mandates that these operating costs be funded at 100 percent, or as close as reasonably possible, starting in the 2028-29 school year. School districts will be required to report all expenditures related to utilities and insurance to the office of the superintendent of public instruction, which will use this data, along with an actuarial analysis of projected insurance costs, to determine future allocations. Additionally, the bill decreases the minimum allocation for materials, supplies, and operating costs per full-time equivalent student from $1,614.28 to $1,109.28, while also providing extra funding for students in grades nine through twelve.

The bill emphasizes transparency by requiring the superintendent of public instruction to report state per-pupil allocations for various educational programs in a user-friendly format. It also establishes minimum staffing allocations for different school levels, ensuring that funding for physical, social, and emotional support staff is proportionate to the actual staff-to-student ratios. The provisions regarding the allocation of funds for utilities and insurance will take effect on July 1, 2028, and the superintendent's office is tasked with adopting rules for implementation, including reporting timelines and data disaggregation requirements to ensure effective fund allocation.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.150.260