School districts around the state are hitting the panic button as they learn details about the 2025/2026 state budget for school funding. It appears big cuts are coming and education advocates are asking for our help.
The Washington State Legislature is legally obligated to fully fund public schools, but “fully funded” is a more nebulous term than it sounds and it often leads to shortfalls for school districts. The amount that districts can raise via local school levies to make up this shortfall is now capped, as a result of the McCleary decision from a few years ago.
Locally, the Bellingham School District (BSD) anticipates a budget shortfall in excess of $10 million for 2025/2026. Education advocates are asking for our help now to avoid big cuts to staff and services. BSD has identified three key areas of funding – special education, transportation, and materials/operating costs – and advocates are asking for community members to voice their support of these priorities to elected officials.
Please write your state senator and representatives to let them know how important you feel it is that our public schools receive adequate funding to provide our students with everything they need to thrive. Use the email template below or create your own. Please send your letter in support of school funding by November 15.
Subject: Don’t leave Bellingham students behind due to a budget shortfall
Dear [Legislator’s Name],
I am very concerned about the 2025/2026 school budget and want to share my thoughts before you head back to Olympia. As a member of the Bellingham community, I need to have confidence that schools have what they need to support our kids. That’s why I’m urging you to make education funding your top priority and find a solution to this budget crisis.
First, I want to advocate for three areas that would help students across the State: special education, transportation, and materials/operating costs. We need every student to have reliable transportation to school, access to services, and classrooms that have what they need to create a supportive learning environment.
There are also two other issues that directly impact the Bellingham School District and must be addressed.
- Regionalization does not match our cost of living: The cost of living in Bellingham is high and yet the regionalization is actually decreasing. The regionalization model must be revamped to avoid creating even more inequities in our system.
- Experience factor does not support our teachers: Our district employs many seasoned educators who bring tremendous value to our schools. However, the experience factor methodology relies on old data, creating unnecessary budget shortfalls.
I am very worried about this issue for our children. Our families are relying on you to find a solution!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[School District]
40th District Emails:
- Representative Debra Lekanoff (currently running for reelection)
debra.lekanoff@leg.wa.gov
https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/40/1 - Senator Liz Lovelett (currently running for reelection)
liz.lovelett@leg.wa.gov
https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/40/0 - Representative Alex Ramel
alex.ramel@leg.wa.gov
https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/40/2
42nd District Emails:
Alicia Rule (currently running for reelection)
alicia.rule@leg.wa.gov
https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/42/1
Joe Timmons (currently running for reelection)
joe.timmons@leg.wa.gov
https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/42/2
Sharon Shewmake
sharon.shewmake@leg.wa.gov
https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/42/0