Governor Releases Statement on Washington Supreme Court’s McCleary Ruling

— from Governor Jay Inslee’s Office —

Gov. Jay Inslee today issued the following statement on the state Supreme Court’s McCleary ruling that the state is fully funding basic education for K-12 and is no longer required to pay daily fines. The ruling comes after the Legislature has committed more than $6.5 billion in additional funding in the past six years to cover the state’s share of costs such as pupil transportation, supplies, maintenance, improved salaries for educators, and more.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision affirms that, at long last, our Legislature is providing the funding necessary to cover the basic costs of our K-12 schools. Reversing decades of underfunding has been among the heaviest lifts we’ve faced in recent years and required difficult and complex decisions, but I’m incredibly proud and grateful for all those who came together on a bipartisan basis to get this job done.

“We know that our children need more than just a basic education. This is not the end of our efforts to ensure schools are able to provide students everything they need to succeed and thrive. There is more to come as we focus on early education, career-connected learning, special education and additional supports for struggling or at-risk students. I look forward to continuing our bipartisan collaboration and success in making Washington’s schools the best.”