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

    Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
    Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

    The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

    Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

    The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

    x
    State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

    The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

    Bothell
    Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

    The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

    Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

    Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

    District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

    Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

    From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
    Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

    Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

    Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
    The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

    The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

    Everett
    Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

    The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

    Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
    After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

    The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

    The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
    Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

    Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

    Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

    As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

    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.