Keep the Gains in Our Schools
Last year, we made important progress in school funding but without careful policy protections, those gains could be lost. Even if no new funding is available this session, stronger rules around school closures and better accountability for school board directors can safeguard the state’s investments. These changes make sure funding is used wisely, students and communities benefit, and public trust is maintained.
Update RCW 28A.335.020 to strengthen transparency and community participation in school closure decisions.
Requiring school districts to provide a detailed, comprehensive analysis before proposing a closure including enrollment trends, financial impacts, academic and program effects, facility conditions, equity considerations, community impacts, and alternatives considered ensures that families and community members understand the full reasoning behind a proposal. Publicly posting this analysis at least 30 days before the first hearing and requiring written findings from the board gives residents time to review, ask informed questions, and provide meaningful feedback. Clarifying when the appeal period begins also protects the community’s right to challenge decisions. Currently the law does not provide a clear definition of when the appeal period begins, which creates confusion and lack of due process, negatively impacting the ability for students, families and the community to provide feedback. These changes are important because school closures have lasting, multigenerational impacts on students, families, and neighborhoods, and the public deserves full transparency and an opportunity to engage in the decision-making process.
Make school board directors more accountable by putting them under the State Ethics Board
School board directors make decisions that affect budgets, staffing, programs, and student outcomes, and any ethical lapse, conflict of interest, or misuse of office can undermine public trust. Clear reporting, investigation, and enforcement mechanisms would ensure that directors act with integrity and transparency, reinforcing community confidence in board governance. This is important because strong ethical oversight helps protect both students and taxpayers and ensures that decisions are made in the public interest rather than for personal or political gain.
Because Washington’s State Ethics Board does not have jurisdiction over local school board directors, there is no statewide mechanism to hold them accountable for ethical violations, conflicts of interest, or misuse of office. This creates a significant accountability gap: the primary recourse for the public is an election or an expensive, time-consuming recall process, which can be difficult for ordinary community members to initiate and sustain. Without ethics oversight or enforceable standards, school board directors can make decisions affecting budgets, programs, and students with limited risk of independent review or consequences, leaving communities with few practical tools to ensure transparency and integrity in local education governance.
HOW TO ENGAGE
- SIGN UP FOR OSD4All’S LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMUNITY: Members will receive updates on important bills that support increased funding for education. During session, we host weekly Zoom check-in’s to discuss what’s happening in the Legislature and how you can help move our priorities forward.
- CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS: Reach out to your state Representatives and Senators to express your support for these priorities. You can find a list here.
- ATTEND PUBLIC HEARINGS: Participate in upcoming legislative public hearings to provide testimony and share personal stories that highlight the importance of these funding requests. OSD4All will update you via text message and newsletter. Make sure you are signed up here.
- ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY: Mobilize parents, educators, and community members to raise awareness and build support for these initiatives. Share this overview with your network and encourage them to sign up for notifications.