Legislative Advocacy Series: Understanding the 2027 WASBO Legislative Priorities (Recording)-2027 WASBO Legislative Priorities

2027 WASBO Legislative Priorities

Pdf Summary

The document outlines the Washington Association of School Business Officials’ 2027 legislative priorities, focused on strengthening financial stability and protecting student learning in Washington public schools.<br /><br />Key priorities include modernizing the substitute funding model by increasing funded substitute days, funding classified substitutes, updating daily reimbursement rates, and covering mandated sick leave and benefits. It notes that current state funding does not match market costs, creating pressure on districts.<br /><br />WASBO also calls for a statewide financial monitoring framework to prevent district financial crises, including tiered ending fund balance standards, annual three-year financial projections, expanded ESD technical assistance, a November financial “true-up,” and stronger financial governance training.<br /><br />Another major priority is addressing rising insurance and liability costs, which are growing faster than enrollment and other operating expenses. Proposed actions include modernizing insurance rating methods, evaluating a statewide victims compensation fund, reviewing liability statutes, and continuing targeted MSOC investments.<br /><br />The organization also emphasizes preserving school funding equity by refining regionalization groupings, improving levy equalization, and making funding formulas fairer and more transparent so students have equitable access to resources regardless of location.<br /><br />Additional broader K-12 priorities include fully funding special education services, reducing reliance on local levies, and supporting a constitutional amendment to allow simple-majority approval for school construction bonds.<br /><br />Overall, the document argues that without legislative action, districts will face greater financial stress, staffing cuts, deferred maintenance, and reduced student programs. With action, Washington can improve financial stewardship, workforce stability, school safety, accountability, and student success.

Keywords

Washington public schools

WASBO

2027 legislative priorities

substitute funding model

financial monitoring framework

insurance and liability costs

school funding equity

special education funding

local levies

school construction bonds