Since 2020, funding gaps from the state have cost BSD $167.14 million dollars. This is in part due to the McCleary decision and the current education funding model, which now caps our local levy funding that voters in Bellevue have already approved. This has caused BSD to fall into a serious financial crisis as Dr. Aramaki recently presented a $20 million spending reduction plan for the 2025-2026 school year, to help stabilize the district’s finances. Check out this video explaining the state’s funding crisis.
The following graphic shows the state funding vs. BSD’s actual costs in the “Big 3” categories of Special Education, MSOC (Materials, Supplies & Operating Costs), and Transportation. Closing the education funding gap is the #1 Legislative Priority for WSPTA and Bellevue PTSA Council.
Please check out waK12.org that our Bellevue PTSA Council Advocacy committee along with Issaquah, Mercer Island and Lake Washington PTAs are continuously updating throughout the legislative session. You’ll find information and action items that take 1-2 minutes that will make a big difference as we all advocate for our students who are impacted by these budget cuts! We have links to send a pre-written letter to your legislators, and opportunities to sign in “pro” for the bills that support the “Big 3”. Sign up for Action Alerts to keep you alerted to these important actions you can take for high priority bills. Email advocacy@bellevueptsacouncil.com with questions and if you’d like to join meetings with legislators or testifying on bills.
