Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, expressed grave concerns regarding the state's school funding, warning of potential legal repercussions if funding does not increase. Since the landmark McCleary ruling, which mandated sufficient funding for basic education, Reykdal asserts that the state has fallen short, risking a return to court. He estimates that an additional $2 billion is needed in the next budget to address rising costs, particularly in special education, transportation, and materials. The Everett Education Association's president echoed these concerns, emphasizing the Legislature's failure to adapt to escalating costs. Reykdal's comments were made during a detailed assessment of Washington's public school system, which serves 1.

1 million students. He highlighted the urgent need to tackle significant cost drivers and secure reliable transportation for vulnerable student populations. With a current general fund expenditure of approximately $30. 6 billion for public schools, Reykdal advocates for a return to a 50% funding level. The challenge remains for lawmakers to prioritize long-term educational investments amidst ongoing budgetary constraints.