K-12 Education

From 2009-11 to 2019-21, the Legislature increased spending in K-12 education to comply with the Supreme Court’s 2012 McCleary ruling. 1

Over those biennia, K-12 education spending increased by $14.244 billion, an increase of 110%2. The state reached compliance with McCleary in 2018.3

Before this increase in spending, education represented 42.6% of overall spending. By 2019-21, education represented 50.6% of overall spending. 4

Since then, state spending has grown 40% 5, yet K-12 education spending has grown 17%.

Non-K-12 education spending grew 63%, or $15.769 billion.

Because of the growth in other spending, K-12 education spending now represents 43% of general fund spending in the 2023-25 budget.6

What do the outcomes look like?

Since 2013, education spending in Washington has more than doubled – by 110% – to where the state now spends $20,300 per student per year. 7

During this time, our National Assessment of Educational Progress 4th grade reading scores, and 8th grade math scores have steadily fallen. They continued to fall even alongside federal relief funding. 8

Mississippi, by comparison, has grown education spending by only 54% percent since 2013, to $12,500 per pupil. 9

During this time, Mississippi’s National Assessment of Educational Progress 4th grade reading scores have increased. Its 8th grade math test scores increased, then dipped during COVID, and now are on the rise again. 10

Today, Washington remains half a grade level below 2019 levels in math and in reading, and ranks:

  • 26th in reading recovery since the pandemic11

  • 34th in math recovery since the pandemic12

  • 35th in graduation rates.13

  • 40th in college readiness.14

Did Washington achieve better learning and readiness for students?