Funding Inequities in Washington

In the nation, Washington States schools rank a pitiful 42nd in funding for public schools. Within our state, Issaquah School District ranks 268 out of 296 districts, or 30^th from the bottom.

Based on 2004-2005 numbers, 296 Districts in State:

We received less money from the state for two primary reasons:
   1. Our levy lid is lower
   2. Salaries from the state are lower for all ISD employees

Listed below are the levy lid levels for a few area districts:
Seattle  32.97%
Mercer Island  33.67%
Bellevue  30.66%
Issaquah  24.97%
Lake Washington  24.89%
Everett  24% (receives additional state, fed and high salaries)
Yakima  24% (but receives additional state and fed money)

If all districts had the same budget, this would be the difference in their levy collection (assuming a budget of $100 million):
Seattle - $32.97 million
Mercer Island - $33.67 million
Bellevue - $30.66 million
Issaquah - $24.97 million
Lake Washington -$24.89 million

Compared to Bellevue School District, our district brings in $6 million less each year. They receive this additional funding based on a legislative decision made over 30 years ago. Imagine what our district could accomplish with this additional funding.

Despite our low levy lid, we rank third in the state in academic achievement, just behind Bellevue and Mercer Island Schools. we are fortunate to have many factors working in our favor including:

• An Administration that does an excellent job managing the resources we do have.
• The ISF which provides a variety of successful programs supporting Academic Excellence, Struggling Students and Staff Development.
• A supportive business community.
• Involved parents and PTSAs who tirelessly advocate for and support our students.

The state legislature has long term plans to fix funding. Whether this happens is yet to be seen.

[This page needs to be updated, since ESHB 2261 passed the 2009 Legislature and some of this data has changed some -- like we've fallen to 272 out of 295 districts in per-pupil funding. -DP]

Updated: October 8, 2009