Legislative Update | March 4-8, 2024

We’ve Crossed the Finish Line!

Yesterday, the Legislature adjourned “Sine Die”. Over the past few days, decisions were solidified about final supplemental budgets and final bill language. Here is my description about this year’s legislative session based on the book Fortunately that I used to read to my own kids. 

Fortunately…bills to change graduation requirements did not pass!
Unfortunately…these and other bills will return next year.
Fortunately…the principal intern grant received more money!
Unfortunately…it was only a small portion of what we asked for and what people need.
Fortunately…AWSL got some additional funding for student programs!
Unfortunately…our Seattle area director position did not get funding (but fear not we have a plan!)
Fortunately…there is money for inclusionary practices!
Unfortunately…it is included in the section with restraint and isolation practices and we don’t yet know what this means.
Fortunately…the capital budget provided some much needed funding for school construction!
Unfortunately…the operating budget fell short of many pieces that districts need to cover the costs of MSOC, special education, transportation, and staffing costs.

So, it’s a mixed bag for sure. I’m sure your superintendents and district finance staff are anxiously awaiting numbers from OSPI about what your district funding will look like for next year. This information will be sent out over the next few weeks. We know that some districts have cut multiple building administrator positions already, and that others are waiting for the final budget to come back from the Legislature before staffing decisions are made. Please reach out to us if you have questions or concerns about your position for next year.

Budget 

Here is a look at some of the pieces of this year’s supplemental operating and capital budgets.

Prototypical School Staffing ($71.8 million NGF-O 2023-25; $71.8 million Total 2023-25; $156 million 4-year NGF-O) Funding is provided to increase staffing allocations in state prototypical school funding formulas for paraeducators, office supports, and non instructional aides beginning in the current 2023-24 school year, as required in SB 5882. 

Special Education Enhancements ($29.1 million NGF-O 2023-25; $29.1 million Total 2023- 25; $83.5 million 4-year NGF-O) Funding is provided for an increase to the funded enrollment limit for students eligible for special education from 15 percent to 16 percent, as required in HB 2180. Additionally, funding is provided for cohorts of special education teacher residents, inclusionary professional development, and anticipated increases in safety net awards. 

Maintenance, Supplies, and Operating Costs ($43.6 million NGF-O 2023-25; $43.6 million Total 2023-25; $94.7 million 4-year NGF-O) Per pupil rates for maintenance, supplies, and operating costs (MSOCs) are increased by $21 beginning in the current 2023-24 school year, as required under HB 2494. The categories of MSOCs increased are utilities and insurance, instructional professional development, and security and central office. 

Community Eligibility Provision ($45 million NGF-O 2023-25; $45 million Total 2023-25; $90 million 4-year NGF-O) Funding is provided for additional reimbursements to schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provisions program for school meals not reimbursed at the federal free meal rate. 

Transportation Actuals for 2023-24 ($76.9 million NGF-O 2023-25; $76.9 million Total 2023-25; $166 million 4-year NGF-O) Appropriations are increased to reflect updated 2023-24 school year transportation allocations calculated by OSPI in February of this year, which are above the estimated amounts assumed through January.

Besides these major areas of funding, the legislature provided funding for a whole variety of programs including more money for principal interns (the total is now $700,000), funding for AWSL to support work with student advisory groups, 9th grade success grants, inclusionary practices project, and more. If you have questions about a specific program, please reach out.

Capital Budget highlights include:

• SCAP’s construction cost allocation (CCA) was increased from $271.61 a square foot to $375 per square foot for a total increased investment of $103.9 million in K-12. 
• $114.8 million investment in the Small District Modernization Grant Program to fund 33 small school modernization projects and district energy assessments.
• $68 million for skills centers construction and modernization projects at Tri-Tech, Wenatchee Valley, Whatcom County, Cascadia Tech, and Sequim skills centers. 
• $45 million for clean classroom air. Provides grant funding for districts to improve HVAC systems, air filtration enhancements, and air quality and energy efficiency improvements.

Bills

I’ve taken the bills from my bill tracking list and put them here by category for your information. The restraint and isolation bill did not make it out this session, but additional funds were put in the final budget for continued professional development. The financial literacy and computer science competency bills did not make it, but I am sure legislators will bring these back next year. We are encouraging them to have a thoughtful process to review all graduation requirements rather than simply adding more. Coming soon will be my “Top Ten” list of bills that principals and assistant principals should know about for the 2024-25 school year with a bit more detailed information.

Budget Bills

• HB 1248 Pupil transportation (health benefits for contracted drivers)
• HB 2180 Increasing the special education cap (to 16%)
• SB 5852 Concerning the special education safety net
• SB 5949 Supplemental capital budget
• SB 5950 Supplemental operating budget
• SJM 8007 IDEA funding (requesting Congress to fully fund 40% of the costs of IDEA)

Health and Safety

• HB 1618 Concerning the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse
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