As lawmakers work through a tight budget year, several education bills could directly affect school districts, employees, and students. Here are some key proposals PSE is closely monitoring:
School district accounting
(HB 2593 Rep. Rude/SB 6326 Sen. Nobles; both bills are OSPI-request legislation)
These bills would require districts to maintain a restricted minimum fund balance and submit additional monthly financial data to OSPI. Larger districts would need to keep 6–12% of their prior year’s state funding in reserve, while smaller districts would be required to hold even higher percentages.
PSE opposes a “one-size-fits-all” approach to budgeting. District leaders need flexibility to respond to local needs, and setting aside large reserves could make it harder for PSE chapters to bargain improved compensation or staffing levels.
Status: HB 2593 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 6. SB 6326 did not advance out of policy committee and is no longer moving forward.
Alternative Learning Experiences
(SB 6320 Sen. Hansen)
Alternative Learning Experiences (ALE) provide instruction outside the traditional classroom, including online and remote learning. This bill would reduce levy equalization funding for districts that count ALE students in their total enrollment and would block state funding for districts that contract with private providers.
PSE is concerned about any proposal that reduces funding for districts offering flexible learning options—especially in rural and suburban communities where these programs support students and sustain school jobs. ALE programs typically allow districts to generate additional state funding for partially serving home-school and private school students.
Status: SB 6320 did not advance out of policy committee and is considered dead.
Special Education evaluation reports
(HB 2557 Rep. Chase)
HB 2557 requires districts to provide parents with a copy of a student’s special education evaluation within 35 school days of receiving consent. While transparency is important, many districts already struggle with evaluation backlogs, and staff report that completing thorough evaluations within the current timeline can be challenging.
Status: The bill passed the House Education Committee on Feb. 2 and is scheduled for a public hearing in Appropriations on Feb. 6.
K–12 “Efficiencies” aka proposed budget cuts
(HB 2676 Rep. Gregerson/SB 6260 Sen. Wellman; both bills are OFM-request legislation)
Requested by the Governor’s budget office, these bills would implement several reductions:
- Extend school bus replacement timelines to 15 years;
- Slow planned expansion of Running Start;
- Redirect 1.9% of district operating funds to cover statewide licensing for the High School & Beyond online platform.
Testifiers, including OSPI and the Washington State PTA, noted these are not efficiencies — they are real cuts that shift financial pressure onto districts and colleges.
Status: SB 6260 was sent to Ways & Means with no recommendation. HB 2676 has not been scheduled for a hearing.
Public works bid limit increase
(SB 6263 Sen. Muzzall)
This bill raises the threshold for school construction and repair projects from $75,000 to $100,000. When limits fall behind inflation, districts often delay needed repairs because routine work triggers costly contracting requirements. Deferred maintenance can create safety risks and drive up long-term costs.
SB 6263 would allow districts to complete more projects quickly using skilled school employees who know their buildings—keeping public dollars local and helping districts manage facilities during a time of financial strain.
Given the state’s precarious financial condition, SB 6263 is a great pro-K-12 efficiency and pro-union bill.
Status: The bill is on the Senate second reading calendar awaiting a full vote. There is currently no organized opposition.