Reykdal says Washington risks lawsuit if school funding isn't hiked
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal warned Thursday that Washington is not living up to its constitutional obligation to cover the cost of basic education and faces the “very serious possibility” of landing back in front of the state Supreme Court to explain why.
Seven years ago, in the landmark case known as McCleary, justices ruled the state had complied with the court’s order to ensure ample funding for basic education. But the state’s been backsliding since, Reykdal said, and no longer provides enough money to local school districts to keep pace with rising costs.
“The court didn’t say you’re done. Our fiscal situation is getting perilous in a lot of places,” he said, adding “it is a very serious possibility” the state could be hauled into court again for not meeting its school funding obligations.
Jared Kink, president of the Everett Education Association, a unit of the Washington Education Association, agreed a courtroom reckoning looms if the Legislature and governor don’t step up.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/01/16/reykdal-says-washington-risks-lawsuit-if-school-funding-isnt-hiked/