(In support) This is an urgent need for school districts in island communities.  Small, low populated districts with high costs of living, particularly island school districts, are disadvantaged by the current levy formula.  San Juan Island districts are facing deep cuts.  This bill would increase equity across school districts.  There is a gap between what other school districts can levy and what the largest district can levy per pupil.  The gap grows with inflation.  This policy narrows the gap over several years until all are subject to the same per-pupil limit.  There are about 49 districts that would be affected by the bill, many of which have high rates of eligibility for free-and-reduced price meals.  Any increase to levies would still need the permission of the voters.  

Schools need help to avoid a financial cliff.  Funding formulas do not consider unique island circumstances, and island districts were lumped in with lower cost of living areas on the mainland.  The school levy cap makes it impossible to close the gap with other districts.  Without raising the cap, the San Juan Island school may not be able to pay their bills.  School districts should not be denied local access to resources to help mitigate the high cost of living.

Small schools pay more per student than the prototypical school provides because they do not have the same economies of scale as districts with higher enrollments.  As many as 80 more districts pay more per pupil than Seattle.  Voter approved levies are higher than districts are allowed to collect.  There is not a negative impact to other districts or state funding.  Without adequate funding, districts will lose programs, teachers, and students.  Small school funding is vital, and this bill is a step in the right direction.

This policy is equitable and sustainable for our small schools on the islands.  Small, rural islands have small enrollments, and many have special needs or are minorities.  The school may be the largest employer and provide enrichment and programs for students.  Because of the levy lid, the future of these schools is in jeopardy.  The existing lid has crippled school budgets.  Economies of scale do not work in districts with high costs of living and small enrollment.

The Orcas Island union represents 50 teachers and certificated staff.  The most pressing issue for them is the cost of living on Orcas Island.  In recent years, the district has struggled to recruit and retain teachers due to the unique challenges of having a school on an island.  There are ferry disruptions, limited housing, and few tools to invest in the community.  This bill would help to recruit and retain teachers and compete with mainland schools.  This will adequately fund schools and help pay fair and competitive wages to teachers.

(Opposed) Homeschool families do not benefit from public schools.  Ferry county is very poor, and the tax burden for homeowners is too high.  There is already a recession, and this bill increases financial challenges.  There is no option for opting out of communities that are most at risk.  Education should be funded in a responsible and constitutional manner that doesn't impoverish communities.  Spending and taxpayer burdens should be reduced.  During times of economic instability, policy should focus on taxpayers' ability to contribute to the economy in other areas.

More than 60 percent of property taxes go to schools.  Next month there are 39 districts running levies, and residents won't get their tax bill until after the election is over.  There is support for paying teachers, but schools were also closed for nearly 2 years and students are suffering pandemic learning loss.  During this time, teachers were paid and received pay increases.  The average per pupil expenditure is more than $18,000 in the state.  Districts receive sufficient funding to educate their students.  Increasing the levy will price people out of their homes.

(Other) This is a property tax increase that breaks the Legislature's promise to limit local levies for the second time.  Public schools have $18,000 per student statewide.  Schools require the trust of the public, and trust has never been lower after the COVID-19 school closures.  Many students have been pulled out of public schools, and there is a net emigration from Washington state.  Bills like these contribute to the loss of trust in public education and the exodus of students from public schools.