April 29, 2019 11:50 a.m.
As many of you may already know, the Legislature concluded its 105-day session on time just before the midnight deadline last night. During the final hours of the session, lawmakers approved several bills related to K-12 funding.
Because the budget has just passed, it will take a little time to get the detailed, specific impact on the Olympia School District. However, our initial analysis is that we believe the legislation will significantly reduce our projected $8.5 million deficit for the 2019-20 school year.
Today we will be examining each piece of legislation more closely, including last-minute amendments approved late last night. We will share what we learn today at tonight’s Olympia School Board meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Knox Administrative Center.
Importantly, lawmakers reached a deal to lift the state’s levy lid, thus allowing us to collect more of our community’s voter-approved school levy. Additionally, the Legislature is providing additional special education funding. These two factors alone will significantly reduce our deficit.
We will also keep you apprised as we learn more of the specifics.
Thank you.