Shoreline Schools 2025 Legislative Priorities
As school districts across Washington State grapple with revenue shortfalls due to the intersection of decreased state funding and increasing costs, we urge our state and national representatives to prioritize stabilizing K-12 funding in 2025 and beyond by taking the steps outlined below.
Realize Inclusive Special Education as Basic Education
- Fully and amply fund IDEA and the true cost of special education services
Amply Fund Staffing Positions and Compensation
- Realign and fund staffing allocations for building and support positions needed to have comprehensive learning and care for students in each building (principals, assistant principals, deans, counselors, librarians, nurses, psychologists, paraeducators, family advocates, custodians, security, front office, and nutrition services)
- Update the state funding model for substitutes (minimum 12 days)
- Fund the unfunded portions of SEBB and IPD/COLA increases for Title I staff
Provide Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs
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Increase Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOCs) allocations to adjust for increasing insurance and utility costs
Support the Whole Child
- Provide for universal school meals for all students
- Fund additional mental health supports and substance abuse prevention
- Fund the true cost of transportation: fuel, fleet, and staffing
For the 2024-25 school year, key shortfalls in funding for Shoreline Schools include:
- Special Education: $8 million needed for Special Education to cover the full cost of services
- Staffing: $27 million needed to cover
salaries and benefits - Substitutes: $1.2 million needed for classroom teachers and support staff
substitutes - MSOCs: $2.2 million needed for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs
- Transportation: $646,000 needed for transportation costs