Legislative Advocacy Series: Understanding the 2027 WASBO Legislative Priorities-WASBO 2027 Legislative Priorities PPT

WASBO 2027 Legislative Priorities PPT - 08.26.26

Pdf Summary

WASBO’s 2027 Legislative Priorities focus on strengthening the financial stability of Washington school districts and protecting student learning. The presentation outlines four main priorities:

1. <strong>Strengthen Financial Stability</strong>  
   WASBO wants a statewide financial monitoring framework to identify fiscal stress earlier, before districts face crises, program cuts, or state intervention. Proposed tools include tiered ending fund balance standards, annual three-year projections, a November financial review, expanded ESD technical assistance, and stronger financial governance training.

2. <strong>Modernize the Substitute Funding Model</strong>  
   The current substitute funding system no longer matches today’s staffing realities. WASBO notes that certificated staff receive funding for only 4 substitute days while needing 10 days of leave, and classified staff receive none. It also seeks funding for mandated substitute sick leave and benefits.

3. <strong>Address Rising Insurance and Liability Costs</strong>  
   Insurance costs are increasing much faster than district revenues and enrollment, forcing districts to cut staff, delay maintenance, or divert funds from other needs. WASBO asks the Legislature to modernize rating methods, review liability statutes, consider a statewide Victims Compensation Fund, and continue targeted MSOC investments.

4. <strong>Preserve School Funding Equity</strong>  
   WASBO emphasizes that students should have equitable opportunities regardless of where they live. The group supports refinements to regionalization, stronger levy equalization, and policies that preserve fair access to programs and services.

The presentation also highlights broader K–12 concerns, including a large special education funding shortfall and support for a constitutional amendment to allow simple-majority school bond approval.

Finally, it urges school business officials to advocate locally by explaining issues clearly, using district examples, sharing data, and building relationships with leaders and legislators.

Keywords

Washington school districts

financial stability

legislative priorities

substitute funding model

insurance costs

liability costs

school funding equity

special education funding

school bond amendment

district advocacy