On November 18, education leaders and legislators from across Southwest Washington gathered at the annual ESD 112 Legislative Forum to discuss sustainable solutions for K-12 public education funding. The conversation focused on the shared challenge of providing high-quality education during a year marked by difficult budget decisions at the state level.

Superintendents and school board members from the ESD 112 region expressed appreciation for ongoing legislative engagement while emphasizing the need for strategic reforms that promote educational equity, local decision-making, and fiscal sustainability. Lawmakers representing multiple legislative districts participated in the discussion and shared a strong commitment to supporting students and schools.

  1. Recognizing Fiscal Realities
    Districts continue to face financial pressure from declining enrollment, rising costs, and labor challenges, especially in smaller and rural communities. School leaders acknowledged Washington’s tough budget year and emphasized that local education leaders are seeking smarter, more flexible ways to use existing funds.
  2. Smart Investments and Local Flexibility
    School leaders stressed the need for relief from unfunded mandates and called for policy changes that allow districts to invest strategically. They advocated for more local control over professional development and resource allocation to better serve community-specific needs.
  3. A Call for Sustainable Solutions
    Educators urged lawmakers to pause unfunded mandates and modernize funding formulas. Districts also highlighted innovative, cost-effective strategies already in place that improve outcomes without new funding. These examples demonstrated a continued commitment to accountability and creativity in the face of financial constraints.

Moving Forward Together

Throughout the event, both legislators and educators voiced support for a flexible, collaborative approach to addressing the complex funding and policy challenges facing public education. The forum concluded with a shared commitment to advancing policies that reflect current fiscal realities while preserving Washington’s promise of equitable, high-quality education for all students.