A school funding formula may seem technical, but its impact is not.
Families and staff often hear that school districts across Washington are facing budget challenges. This background helps explain why.
When the state’s funding assumptions fall short of the real cost of operating schools and programs, school districts must manage the gap locally. That affects programs and day-to-day operations students and families rely on.
In 2018, more than 50% of our state’s budget went to K-12 education. Today, just 43% of the state’s budget goes to schools. If the state still invested 51.6% of its operating budget in 2025–27, Washington schools would receive approximately $6.5 billion more statewide.
The gap is especially clear in special education. For 2025–26, the state is providing Highline $50.3 million in funding for special education, while our actual expenditures are projected at $69.2 million. That leaves a gap of at least $19 million. This gap reflects the cost of serving all students based on their individual needs and legal rights, rather than an out-of-date state funding formula assumes.
The same pattern appears in supplies, materials, and operating costs. This year, we expect to spend $37.6 million in these areas, but state funding covers only $26.7 million. These are basic, unavoidable costs. Schools still have to pay for heat, water, electricity, insurance and everyday supplies. Like families are seeing at home, these costs are on the rise due to inflation.
Local levies help, but only to a point
Local levies help districts pay for costs the state does not fully fund. But there is a limit. State levy lids cap how much districts can collect from local voters.
That means local communities can help close part of the gap, but they cannot fully replace missing state funding.
For 2026-27, even with strong local support, Highline must reduce its budget by $8 million to maintain long-term financial stability.
In Washington, the state is responsible for fully funding basic education. That means students should have access to the instruction and support they need to meet graduation requirements and prepare for college, work and life after high school.
When the state underfunds basic education, the impact does not stay on a spreadsheet. It shows up in larger pressures on local budgets, fewer resources for students, and harder choices about the programs and services families count on every day.