Legislative Priorities 2025
Tumwater School District Legislative Priorities
SPED Funding Shortfall Impacts Students
Increased special education funding is essential to ensure every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Current funding levels fall short, forcing districts to divert money from other programs to meet federal mandates. By increasing funding, the legislature can help schools provide equitable education for all students, regardless of their abilities.
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2023-24 state allocation: $13,231,433
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2023-24 actual expenditures: $14,637,027
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TOTAL UNFUNDED COSTS = $1,405,594
Operating Costs Outpace Inflation and Funding (MSOCs)
Operating cost funding must be increased to keep pace with inflation so schools can maintain essential services, programs, and staffing levels. Rising costs for utilities, insurance, materials, and supplies strain already tight budgets, leaving less funding for student-focused initiatives. Adjusting funding to match inflation ensures districts can continue providing high-quality education without compromising resources or opportunities for students. One example includes district insurance premiums.
- 2017-18 insurance premiums: $758,265
- 2024-25 insurance premiums: $1,851,844
- TOTAL INCREASE OVER FIVE YEARS: 144%
Transportation Rising Costs
The Tumwater School District urgently needs increased transportation funding to cover rising costs and ensure safe, reliable access to education for all students. Current funding levels do not fully account for inflation or the unique transportation needs of rural and alternative education programs. By increasing support, the legislature can help Tumwater sustain equitable and efficient transportation services that meet the needs of its diverse student population.
- 2023-24 state allocation: $4,190,412
- 2023-24 actual expenditures: $5,436,668
- TOTAL UNFUNDED COSTS: $1,246,255
Lift the Levy Lid
The state levy lid restricts Tumwater School District from collecting the full amount of funding that our supportive community has already approved. This cap prevents districts from addressing critical needs such as staffing, technology, and enrichment programs that go beyond basic education. Lifting the levy lid would honor the will of the voters and empower districts to invest in the unique needs of their students. Allowing districts to collect the full voter-approved amounts ensures equitable access to resources and strengthens public education across the state. Tumwater was unable to collect $4,303,843 that voters approves for the 2024-25 school year.
Student Behavior Supports
Schools are seeing a rise in behavioral needs that require additional counselors, mental health professionals, and specialized staff, straining current resources. With more funding, districts can implement proactive strategies, such as social-emotional learning programs and therapeutic interventions, to better support students and create positive learning environments.