Highline Public Schools urges state action on literacy, funding in 2026 legislative agenda

Highline Public Schools is urging state lawmakers to take action on literacy, special education funding, transportation, operating costs and school facilities as part of its 2026 legislative agenda, district officials announced this week.

The agenda was approved by the Highline School Board at its December 2025 meeting and comes as districts across Washington prepare for a short 2026 legislative session following limited progress on K 12 funding during the 2025 session. It aligns with priorities advanced by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), and districts across the region and state.  

Highline officials said the district continues to face rising costs that outpace state funding formulas, forcing increased reliance on local levies to cover operating expenses, supplies and transportation that are constitutionally required to be state funded.

“Literacy is the foundation for every student’s success. We cannot expect stronger outcomes without a comprehensive statewide approach,” said Joe Van, president of the Highline School Board. “Our students and educators deserve the tools and resources that research shows make a difference.”

Highline’s legislative agenda emphasizes concerns shared across Washington: 

• “The state lacks a comprehensive literacy strategy, leaving districts without dedicated funding for universal screening, coaching, and high-quality instructional materials aligned to the science of reading. 
• “Districts continue to rely heavily on local levies to fund operating costs, supplies and transportation, which should be fully state funded under Washington’s constitutional requirement to amply fund basic education. Local levies are intended to be used to fund enrichment activities which is not possible with current state funding levels.  
• “Rising inflation and increasing operational costs are outpacing the state’s funding formulas, leaving districts without adequate support for essential supplies, maintenance and day-to-day school operations. Current funding levels no longer reflect the real costs of running a school district, forcing districts to stretch local dollars to cover basic needs.” 

Here are the district’s 2026 legislative priorities:

1. Literacy
   Washington must adopt a comprehensive, statewide, fully funded literacy strategy with universal screening, high-quality instructional materials, and sustained coaching and training aligned to the science of reading. Other states such as California, Maryland and Oregon have already made these investments, and Washington risks falling further behind without dedicated action. 
2. Fully Fund Special Education
   The state must immediately close funding gaps and meet its constitutional responsibility to provide ample funding for all students, including those who receive special education services and support. 
3. Increase Materials, Supplies & Operating Costs (MSOC) Funding
   Rising costs for insurance, food, transportation and basic operations far exceed current state MSOC allocations. Funding formulas must be updated to reflect actual district expenses. 
4. Support Capital Facilities
   Highline urges lawmakers to lower the bond validation threshold to a simple majority and update construction formulas to reflect real-world building costs. These changes are essential to maintain safe, modern learning environments for all students. 
5. Fix Student Transportation Funding
   Washington’s transportation funding model is unpredictable, insufficient, and especially harmful to students experiencing homelessness, students in foster care, and students receiving special education services. Restoring the transportation “safety net” and updating STARS reporting requirements are critical.