Op-Ed: How state budget impacts K-12 education in our community

We have a responsibility to ensure that every student in Whatcom County receives the education they deserve.

Despite our ongoing efforts to provide a high-quality education for all students, school districts across the state, including ours, are encountering significant budget challenges.

Our state’s funding has not kept up with the increasing costs of education. Special education, transportation and facilities maintenance expenses also continue to grow, further straining our budget. School districts have seen unexpected costs for mental health services, school safety and efforts to address learning loss.

As student needs and operational costs continue to rise, the percentage of the state’s general fund budget dedicated to K-12 education has significantly decreased over the past five years. This reduction has forced many districts to make difficult decisions, affecting staffing levels, essential programs and student support services.

To help us meet these challenges, we have each asked our local legislators to act in these ways:

1. Adjust the state funding formula to better reflect the true costs of education, including adequate support for special education, transportation, and materials and supplies.
2. Provide targeted funding to help continued pandemic recovery, including resources for mental health support, academic interventions and technology upgrades.
3. Increase state funding to keep pace with inflation.

We appreciate your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate these financial challenges. To learn more, visit waschoolfunding.org.

Whatcom County public schools superintendents

Dr. Greg Baker, Bellingham Public Schools

Dr. Christopher Granger, Blaine School District

Dr. Kristi Dominguez, Ferndale Public Schools

David VanderYacht, Lynden School District

Dr. James Everett, Meridian School District

Nick Perigo, Mount Baker School District

Matt Galley, Nooksack Valley School District