Governor Gregoire released her supplemental budget yesterday for the 2008 session. She proposes only $144 million in new spending with a total increase of $39 million over the 2007-09 budget for K-12 education. According to this press release, Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson doesn't think that's nearly enough since she originally asked for $255 million.
“The governor’s budget is a necessary first step, but it doesn’t go far enough,” Bergeson said.
“Our upcoming graduating class is the best prepared in the history of our state,” she said. “But some students are still falling through the cracks. Thousands of immigrant students need to learn English, as well as math and science. We’re also seeing more kids in poverty. They can be reached – we know that. But it requires a continued investment that supports students, teachers and the system as a whole. With that investment, we will make sure that all students will be ready for this century’s challenges."
Well, for all those who need a budget cheat sheet (like me!) a big thank you to WSSDA and their stellar government relations staff for this breakdown of some big items that make up the $39 million:
- $28.4 million for required Initiative 732 cost of living adjustments for educational employees. The 2007-09 budget estimated the required second year COLA at 2.8 percent; the current estimate is 3.6 percent.
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$25.4 million to assist OSPI in renewing the current contract to administer Washington's assessment system. The current contract expires in October 2008 and costs to administer the assessments are projected to increase.
- $4.4 million in inflationary adjustments, mainly for Non-Employee Related Costs (NERCs).
- $2.6 million to develop classroom-based assessments and other diagnostic tools.
- $1.8 million in one-time funding to allow OSPI to substantially complete the upgrade of the apportionment and financial systems
- $1.68 million to translate the math and science WASL into six languages and provide enhanced accommodations for students in special education.
- $867,000 in one-time funding to "reimburse" OSPI for additional services from the Attorney General's Office, due to education litigation.
- $250,000 to allow five Skills Centers to design and develop programs that integrate career skills education and English-language instruction.
- $214,000 to the Professional Educator Standards Board to pilot a year-long teaching internship program to test the implementation of an intensive classroom-based, performance-oriented educator training program.
And here's some of the reductions or "savings" that were made:
- Due to lower-than-expected K-12 enrollment growth and other workload changes, the state projects a savings of $9.2 million.
- Corrections to pension rates and other technical adjustments provide a $4.7 million savings.
- With the development of classroom-based assessments and the provision of other diagnostic tools, it is anticipated that the cost to develop, score and otherwise implement assessments will be reduced by approximately $12.4 million.
- State employer contribution rates for employee health care premiums are reduced from the current $732 per month to $575 per month. This change provides a statewide savings of approximately $1.5 million; OSPI will save $421,000. This adjustment impacts state agencies only, not school districts
Bergeson's final words? “I look forward to working with our governor and legislative leaders as
we tackle these tough issues in the 2008 session.” (The legislative
session convenes Jan. 14)
View the Governor's budget and policy highlights and read the press release from OSPI for more information.
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