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State Superintendent Chris Reykdal Calls for New Revenue to Focus on K–12 Education, Free College, Free School Meals, and a Property Tax Break for Homeowners

Superintendent Reykdal Speaking [ [link removed] ]

*OLYMPIA—February 5, 2026—*Washington state is facing a budget shortfall, and on Tuesday, lawmakers and state leaders committed to raising state revenue through increased taxes on Washington’s wealthiest residents.

In a press conference today in Olympia, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal detailed a proposal for leveraging the new tax revenue to provide affordability for                                                        taxpayers and create opportunities for Washington’s children.

With the additional revenue generated by the new tax, Superintendent Reykdal is urging the Legislature and Governor to support Washington’s students and families by:


* Cutting state property taxes paid by homeowners,
* Fully funding and expanding basic K–12 education,
* Providing free schools meals to all students,
* Covering all instructional fees for dual credit programs for all students (e.g., Running Start and Advanced Placement), and
* Providing two years of free college tuition to Washington’s in-state public colleges and universities.

"“Long before the state entered a budget shortfall, many of Washington’s school districts were already navigating a financial crisis,” said Superintendent Reykdal. “Costs for goods and services have skyrocketed and state funding is just not keeping up. The result is that districts are using local levy funds, which are supposed to be used for supplemental supports, on basic services. Even worse, some districts are in debt and under financial oversight by my office.”"

"“As the state’s paramount duty, lawmakers should focus the new revenue first and foremost on K–12 education and on opportunities for young people,” Reykdal continued."


Revenue Proposal - Large Buckets
Basic K–12 Education Must be Fully Funded and Expanded

While the Legislature made significant investments in K–12 education following the State Supreme Court’s decision in "McCleary v. State of Washington", schools have lost ground over time and are now consistently funding portions of basic education––which should be funded by the state––with local levy funds.

In the current school year, basic K–12 education, including special education, materials and supplies, student transportation, and targeted resources for students who need additional support, is underfunded by $750 million. The state also partially funds meals and dual credit, two opportunities that the Superintendent recommends become part of basic education and available to all students at no out-of-pocket cost.

When school districts need to use local revenue to pay for basic needs, students lose access to supplemental programs and supports like tutoring, arts programs, nurses and counselors, afterschool programs, and other services that support a well-rounded education.

College Completion Should be Funded with Universal Access to Dual Credit and Two Years of College

In 2014, the Legislature adopted a goal to have 70% of the state’s 25- to 44-year-olds obtain a credential beyond high school by 2023. While postsecondary attainment has grown over time, the state is still 8% away from meeting the 70% goal.

Cost remains the largest barrier to college enrollment and completion, and students and families are taking on unprecedented debt. Dual credit programs, which provide high school students with the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit at the same time, provide cost savings, but the programs still require instructional fees that serve as a barrier for many students.

By covering the costs of dual credit programs in high school and two years of postsecondary education after high school, Washington state has an opportunity to lead the country in college access and prepare a highly skilled future workforce.

Tax Reform Should Focus on Affordability for Families

In Washington, the middle class bears the brunt of the state’s tax policy failures. From 2013 to 2023, the average Washingtonian’s income increased by just 37% while median home prices increased by 139%. This proposal would provide a property tax break for homeowners, saving the average Washington homeowner $640 per year––or roughly $300,000 over the duration of a 30-year mortgage.

In addition, school meals cost the average student and their family about $1,000 per year. While the federal government funds school meals for students identified as low-income and the Legislature has expanded access to several thousand more students, there are still about 290,000 students in Washington without access to free meals as part of the school day. This proposal would ensure that meals are included as part of basic education, at no cost to students or their families, saving the average family $13,000 per student in school meal costs over the duration of their student’s K–12 career.

*. . .*

"“The world is changing rapidly, and the needs of our students, families, and workforce are, too,” Reykdal said. “We have to be relentless in our commitment to transforming the way that we prepare our young people for the future. From preschool, to K–12 education, to postsecondary learning, and to the workforce––everything we do as a state must center on building the future that our children deserve. Incrementalism is failing all of us.”"

Superintendent Reykdal encourages the Legislature and Governor to act on the recommended investments above and turn Washington state into a national leader in the way that we support students, families, and the middle class.

For More Information

*

Recording of Superintendent Reykdal’s February 5, 2026 Press Conference [ [link removed] ]


*

Slides from Superintendent Reykdal’s February 5, 2026 Press Conference [ [link removed] ]


*

One-Pager: Superintendent Reykdal’s Proposal [ [link removed] ]


*

Economic Trends, Washington State Office of Financial Management [ [link removed] ]






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Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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