Vote would let districts, schools use funds the way they want

By ERIC STEVICK

Herald Writer

It was born out of frustration, with education advocates searching for ways to reduce class sizes, increase teacher training, build classrooms and add learning time for struggling students.

For schools like English Crossing Elementary in Lakewood, Initiative 728 could provide some of that relief.

Consider the challenge faced by the school’s music teacher who received a grant that, among other things, provided 15 high-tech Yamaha keyboards.

Problem is, the music room has been converted into a general classroom because of overcrowding at the school, meaning she will have to figure out how to roll the pricey equipment down the halls over several trips and hook each one up each time they are used.

"We are still working on how we are going to get them from room to room," said Graham Cook, the school’s principal.

Under Initiative 728, school districts would be able to decide how to meet needs of their communities and individual schools — be it adequate teaching space for keyboards or cutting the ratio of 28 students per teacher that now exists in some classrooms at English Crossing.

The initiative, which would dramatically change the way the state spends money on schools, is seen as a boon by education supporters and porous fiscal policy by some financial analysts.

I-728 would amend Initiative 601, the 1993 law that sets spending limits, earmark state property tax and lottery revenues and create a new Student Achievement Fund. It wouldn’t increase taxes but it could reduce the chances of future property tax cuts.

Specifically, I-728 gives school districts money and flexibility to:

  • Reduce class sizes in kindergarten through fourth grade with selected reductions in some classes, such as writing, in higher grades. Washington has the nation’s third highest student-to-teacher ratio.

  • Provide more learning opportunities, such as all-day kindergarten, after-school classes, tutoring and summer school,

  • Increase training for teachers,

  • Provide early assistance for children who need prekindergarten help.

    The initiative also provides a new funding stream for kindergarten through 12th grade and higher education school construction.

    Needs vary from district to district and even from school to school, I-728 supporters argue. The initiative gives more local control.

    "The beauty of this initiative is it really focuses on community control of the funds that come in," said Mari Taylor, a Lake Stevens School Board member who was part of the statewide grass-roots group that came up with I-728.

    Although there is no organized opposition campaign, I-728 does have its critics, including the Washington Research Council, a nonpartisan, public policy research organization that examines issues on behalf of businesses.

    "The initiative violates several important fiscal policy principles and would reduce the prospects of future relief from the state property tax," the research council concluded.

    I-728 would also weaken the legislative budget process by earmarking money that would otherwise go into the general fund, according to the research council.

    "Diverting property tax revenues to a new general fund account is simply an attempt to skirt the provisions of Initiative 601," said the research council report.

    Lisa Macfarlane, a I-728 organizer with two children in Seattle schools, points to the state constitution, which says it is "the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children." The initiative helps ensure the state is living up to its constitutional obligations, she said.

    Macfarlane also looks at the higher expectations the state is placing on the schools through higher academic standards and rigorous exams taken by fourth-, seventh- and 10th graders.

    "We are in a time and a place where districts all have their feet to the fire," she said. "It’s going to be a train wreck if you don’t give them the resources to get there."

    Talk to us

    > Give us your news tips.

    > Send us a letter to the editor.

    > More Herald contact information.

  • More in Local News

    Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

    Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

    Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

    Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

    Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
    Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

    The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

    x
    Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

    The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

    The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

    The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

    Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

    Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

    People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

    The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

    Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
    Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

    The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

    The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

    The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

    The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
    Northshore School District bond improvements underway

    The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

    The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
    Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

    The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

    Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

    The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

    Support local journalism

    If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.