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

Video Transcription

Video Summary

WASBO’s first Legislative Advocacy session introduced the 2027 legislative priorities and why they matter for school district operations and student success. Executive Director Breanne King explained that the priorities were developed through member surveys, work groups, and board approval, with a shared goal of creating stronger, more stable schools.<br /><br />The four main priorities are: strengthening financial stability through earlier risk detection and financial monitoring; modernizing substitute funding so it better matches leave requirements, labor costs, and classified substitute needs; addressing rapidly rising insurance and liability costs; and preserving school funding equity through fairer regionalization and levy equalization policies.<br /><br />Panelists emphasized that many districts are already facing serious funding gaps, especially in substitute costs and insurance, and that early intervention tools could help districts avoid crisis. They also discussed the importance of data collection, consistent reporting, and district-specific stories to support advocacy efforts during the legislative session.<br /><br />Marissa Rathbone highlighted likely legislative challenges, including possible budget cuts, regionalization reviews, and ongoing debates over special education and school construction funding. The session closed with a call for districts to engage now, gather data, tell their stories, and use WASBO’s upcoming webinars and resources to prepare for the legislative session.

Keywords

Legislative Advocacy

School District Operations

Financial Stability

Substitute Funding

Insurance Costs

Liability Costs

School Funding Equity

Regionalization Policies

Levy Equalization