Public schools would follow new funding and program rules

The superintendent of public instruction would adjust district reimbursement payments for zero-emission school buses. The rule covers approved zero-emission school buses purchased by school districts. For these buses, the reimbursement calculation would use 33 percent of the quote for that bus category. The final depreciation payment may instead use the lowest bid for the appropriate bus category. The 33 percent calculation applies during the 2025-26 through 2027-28 school years.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction would administer and fund the transition to kindergarten program under state rules. The program serves eligible children who need added preparation for kindergarten, including children at least four years old by August 31 of the enrollment school year. Funding is limited to amounts provided in the state budget. Programs may charge sliding-scale enrollment fees, but not to children eligible for an early learning program who have not yet been placed or to children with disabilities entitled to a free public education. Access is not an individual entitlement, and schools may not exclude an eligible child only because of a disability. Schools must prioritize families with the lowest incomes and children most in need when enrolling students. OSPI must report planned program slots beginning June 30, 2026, and every year after that.

The state would calculate local effort assistance for eligible school districts using the stated levy and enrollment formula. The formula applies to eligible school districts and adjusts student enrollment for certain alternative learning experience courses. The alternative learning adjustment applies when alternative learning enrollment exceeds 25 percent of average annual full-time equivalent enrollment. The formula also includes rules for high/nonhigh district relationships and innovation academy cooperatives. The section states that local effort assistance is provided beginning in calendar year 2020 and each calendar year afterward.

Certificated instructional staff who maintain national board teaching certification would receive an annual bonus. The provision covers certified instructional staff with national board certification, with an additional bonus for qualifying assignments in high-poverty schools. The annual bonus is $5,000 for the 2007-08 school year and increases for inflation through the 2025-26 school year. Qualifying staff in high-poverty schools may receive an additional $5,000 bonus. Bonuses are paid in a lump sum and do not count toward district salary-limit calculations. The inflation increases described for the annual bonus run through the 2025-26 school year.

Running Start students would be funded up to a combined enrollment limit that depends on whether Senate Bill 6346 is enacted. The limit combines each student's high school and college enrollment, including eligible summer college courses. If Senate Bill 6346 is not enacted by June 30, 2026, the combined maximum would be 1.2 full-time equivalents. If Senate Bill 6346 is enacted by that date, the combined maximum would be 1.4 full-time equivalents, or 1.3 in the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. Summer funding may cover up to 10 college credits per student per summer term. The applicable limit depends on whether Senate Bill 6346 is enacted by June 30, 2026; the 1.3 limit applies during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years under the enacted-bill option.