The state of Washington only funds about 85% of what is considered “basic education?” This creates a situation where we are required to pass levies simply to cover the basic needs of our students. The state funding mechanism is simply inadequate. We have to resort to levies to cover basic needs. The Northshore levy supports $1,577 per pupil over what is provided by state tax dollars.

If we want our children to be poised for the future, we need to create a world-class educational system for the global economy. Currently, we fall far short. Three facts provided by the League of Education Voters show how school funding in Washington compares to the rest of nation.

1. Washington is in the bottom half of the nation in per-student spending.
2. Our national ranking in teacher salaries is 19th.
3. Class sizes in Washington are the 4th highest in the country.

Northshore School District’s total operating budget for 2007-08 is $179,111,049. The bulk of the money comes from the state per-pupil allocation. Northshore received $5,582 per-pupil, which is a critical shortfall in the budget when, like most school districts, Northshore spends 87 percent of its budget for union salaries and benefits, leaving only 12 - 13 percent for the curriculum, textbooks, supplies and day-to-day operations of the district, schools and the programs that support them. Budget shortfalls are grave for these 12% -13% budgetary allocations.

School districts are restricted in the amount of money local communities can provide for levies. Even when local taxpayers want to support their schools by being taxed at a higher rate, state law regulates accepted levy rates. This creates inequities within the funding system overall because some districts can pass levies while others can not. Additionally, some districts are allowed to tax at a higher rate due to grandfathering clauses within the levy structure. It is patently unfair and is creating an environment where families have to kick in about $150 dollars per student just to cover basic “supplies” like tissues and paper.

Our children hold OUR future in THEIR hands. We must invest in them today to prepare them for the future — and everyone benefits.