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Landmark education reforms
move closer to reality
Funding formulas, definition of 'basic education' would
change
under House Bill 2261
A
boulder was pushed downhill today with the passage of long-awaited education
reform legislation.
Rep. Skip Priest co-sponsored
House
Bill 2261, which would place into law many of the
recommendations from the bipartisan, two-year-long Basic Education
Finance Task Force.
The
bill, if signed by the governor, would begin phasing-in updates to the
K-12 education system beginning in 2011. The reforms include a new
definition of "basic education" and a restructured funding formula.
"We
could not have moved this measure forward without the support of education
advocates statewide," said Priest, who served on the task force. "Taking meaningful steps today to put our system on
the right path is critical. The legislation takes into account the
current economy, but makes the commitment to begin necessary updates to
school funding as we move out of the recession. It also creates a
structure for greater school accountability and ensures all children get the
education they deserve to become successful."
Washington's Constitution is clear, the Federal Way lawmaker added, that education
is the "paramount duty" of the state. He believes House Bill 2261 moves
the state closer to living up to the mandate that the Legislature must
make "ample provisions" for K-12 education.
"These
reforms are not about us; they are about
the kids," said Priest. "We are required to do all we can to
give every child a chance to excel in whatever career path he or she
chooses. This legislation will give us more confidence the state is
moving closer to that point."
One of
the elements in the bill Priest believes is critical is the phase-in
of early education for at-risk children.
"Helping children we worry the most about on a path to be prepared for
kindergarten and ready to learn is something we know is good for them and our schools," said Priest.
"I believe early learning is a smart investment in the future."
As
amended House Bill 2261 would:
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Phase-in funding allowing high school students the opportunity to achieve
24 credits and six classes per day;
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Establish
early learning for at-risk children and transportation as part of
the new definition of "basic education;"
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Create
a transparent funding system for both allocations and expenditures
so that not only policymakers and educators understand how the state
supports basic education, but also taxpayers;
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Create
work groups to make recommendations on how best to spend local levy
money, how teachers are hired and compensated, and how to phase-in
early learning;
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Require the
Board of Education to create a
comprehensive system for improvements targeted at challenged schools
and districts that have not demonstrated sufficient improvement
through the voluntary system; and
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Assign
the Professional Educator Standards Board to create performance
standards for teachers.
"A
lot of incredible and thoughtful work went into the changes we approved
today. We owe a great deal of thanks to the League
of Education Voters, Stand for Children, Washington State Parent Teacher
Association, Public School Employees, Superintendents, State Board of
Education, our school librarians and many more folks who care
deeply about our children and their education. It was an extraordinary
effort and a lot of good work was done to move these landmark reforms
forward," Priest said.
The
bill will now be sent to the governor for her consideration to be signed
into law.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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