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ERIC Number: ED672192
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jun
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Washington School Finance: Exploring the History and Present-Day Challenges for Fiscal Equity. EdWorkingPaper No. 23-702
David S. Knight; Pooya Almasi; JoLynn Berge
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
In this forthcoming book chapter, the authors provide an in-depth description of the history and current issues pertaining to public school finance in Washington State, including how recent federal stimulus funding impacted resource levels. The state uses a resource-based funding model, where the amount of funds each school district receives is based on the district's enrollment level and a series of staffing ratios and salary schedules. In contrast, most U.S. states use a simpler, dollar-based funding formula that determines district funding levels using a per-student dollar amount. Dollar-based funding models typically include student weights that drive more state funds to school districts with greater need. Washington's resource-based model does not have weights and provides approximately equal per-pupil state funding regardless of local need. When combined with the state's local tax revenues, Washington's K-12 finance system provides higher per-pupil funding levels to districts serving wealthier student populations. The system creates racial funding gaps that systematically disadvantage Latinx and Pacific Islander students. Federal COVID-19 stimulus funds were allocated progressively with respect to student income level; however, these funds are temporary, and districts may need to reduce budgets or identify additional funds once the federal stimulus is expended. The chapter concludes with recommendations for further reading.
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Identifiers - Location: Washington
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act 2020; American Rescue Plan Act 2021; Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A