Jan. 7, 2026 — Bellevue, Wash. Superintendents, students and educators from 10 East King County school districts, including Northshore School District, gathered at Newport High School for a town hall titled “School Funding Crisis,” urging the state Legislature—set to convene January 13—to address funding shortfalls in special education, transportation and operations amid stagnant formulas and declining enrollment.
The event drew 378 attendees representing Northshore (serving Redmond and Bothell), Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Renton, Riverview, Shoreline, Snoqualmie Valley, and Tukwila districts. Speakers included state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, funding expert Daniel Steele, and superintendents via video, with a Q&A panel featuring state legislators.
Presentations detailed statewide gaps: $500 million underfunded in special education (versus $310 million provided), $90 million in transportation, and over $500 million in materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC). Steele cited a $1.6 billion shortfall for 2025-2027 and $4.3 billion over four years, attributing pressures to decreased state funding, regressive taxes, and enrollment drops—like Northshore’s 179-student decline this year.
“It’s in our Constitution that fully funded education is a paramount duty of the state of Washington. I hope that people come away knowing that our state is not fulfilling that duty,” said Mercer Island High School student representative Lucy Dorer in advance of the event, noting the state budget share for schools fell from 51% to 43% since the McCleary decision.
Reykdal called for progressive revenue reforms and strengthened district oversight, while eight districts—including Northshore—are seeking levy renewals on the February 10 ballot to cover 15-25% of budgets for staff, programs, and facilities not funded by the state. Northshore’s school board approved three measures: two levies for operations and academics, and a bond for infrastructure like school replacements and safety upgrades.
Student speakers emphasized impacts on class sizes, mental health, and equity. “The fact is that right now school districts are facing very consistent funding shortages and this is affecting all the students,” said Snoqualmie student Avery Smith.
“When we talk about education funding, we’re really talking about the future of our communities. Every dollar we invest in our schools is a dollar invested in opportunity, equity and innovation,” said Riverview Superintendent Susan Leach in a video message.
Attendees called for preserving investments, pausing unfunded mandates, and public involvement via school board meetings. Bellevue parent Jennifer Glover anticipated legislative action: “I am looking forward to seeing our state legislators follow through on all they had to say today.”
The Northshore School District promoted the event on social media, highlighting student voices. Coverage appeared in the Redmond Reporter and Seattle Times.
, $90 million in transportation, and over $500 million in materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC).){kind=link}