Impact of State Underfunding
In school districts across the state, the burden is getting heavier and heavier. Despite the best efforts of caring parents, dedicated educators and determined school districts, the task of providing children with a high-quality 21st century education is becoming more and more difficult. As state learning standards have risen, funding has fallen behind. Today, school districts across Washington are being forced to take drastic actions that will significantly impact our kids and our future.
What are the real costs of the State's underfunding of K-12 education?
- Lack of up-to-date textbooks and technology
- Larger class sizes, which means less personal attention and one-on-one help for students
- Greater inequities: Students in poorer school districts lose out
- Fewer programs for students with special needs or at risk of failure
- Loss of art, music and other electives
- Loss of sports and other extracurricular activities that help keep kids interested and in school
- More costs borne by families
- Fewer librarians or shortened library hours
- Less access to counseling help
- Fewer classes, fewer choices, fewer opportunities