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Hi! I hope you spent your Memorial Day Weekend outdoors (responsibly), with loved ones, and mostly not working. I'm re-sharing the latest @seattletimes @educationlab group effort for those of you who missed it when it published then. #tellEWA
We wanted to take a look ahead into the state of school funding as the economy continues to absorb the shock of coronavirus. What's happening with Washington's budget, and how will the bigger picture affect students?
In part one, which ran Sunday, @katherinelong wrote this clear-eyed piece on higher education.
State colleges and universities are girding for a tough financial future after the coronavirus pandemic https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/state-colleges-and-universities-are-girding-for-a-tough-financial-future-after-the-coronavirus-pandemic/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article_inset_1.1 via @seattletimes
State colleges and universities are girding for a tough financial future after the coronavirus pandemic https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/state-colleges-and-universities-are-girding-for-a-tough-financial-future-after-the-coronavirus-pandemic/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article_inset_1.1 via @seattletimes
The outlook, she found, was bleak: "Not only will schools likely lose some students—and the tuition money that comes with them—but the state is expected to slash funding, since higher education dollars aren’t protected by the state constitution in the same way K-12 dollars are"
“I’m a little worried people don’t understand quite how bad this is going to be,” said Western Washington University English professor Bill Lyne, president of United Faculty of Washington State.
And, as Katherine noted, the potential cuts come as the state makes its college affordability program an entitlement.
The next day, @dahliabazzaz and @HannahFurfaro took a look at K-12 education funding. There, the tea leaves are more complicated.
Washington’s constitution protects K-12 funding. The coronavirus will test that promise. https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/washingtons-constitution-protects-k-12-funding-the-coronavirus-will-test-that-promise/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article_inset_1.1 via @seattletimes
Washington’s constitution protects K-12 funding. The coronavirus will test that promise. https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/washingtons-constitution-protects-k-12-funding-the-coronavirus-will-test-that-promise/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article_inset_1.1 via @seattletimes
They found a mixed view: WA's constitution calls education a "paramount duty," and our Supreme Court ordered that clause's enforcement in 2012.
The reporters wrote: "K-12 education funding makes up more than half of the state’s $53.3 billion biennial operating budget..
The reporters wrote: "K-12 education funding makes up more than half of the state’s $53.3 billion biennial operating budget..
Consumer spending dips during recessions, and the state tops the nation for its reliance on sales tax. Preliminary estimates show the state could lose $7 billion over three years. And this time, the downturn is tied to a global pandemic, with no clear end in sight."
In other words, coronavirus will test Washington's commitment to upholding that clause: "State officials are confident they can, but in a bleak budget situation, there are still ways for important programs to lose money."
We'll be watching.
We'll be watching.
There's a lot more in these deeply-reported stories, including crucial graphics from @Emily_M_Eng and @LaurenFlannery3. Check 'em out. The stories also came together with @hillman_anne's commitment to sharing stories with all audiences and @OlympiaJoe's guidance on governance.
Lastly: I'm honored to work in a newsroom that gives us space to burrow down & focus on our mission—educational equity—even during a pandemic and extreme industrial flux.
Thanks to @educationlab supporters, & ST leaders @richardwagoner @michmflo @raystypos for making it happen.
Thanks to @educationlab supporters, & ST leaders @richardwagoner @michmflo @raystypos for making it happen.
Addendum: Jinx, and for more details, read this thread from @dahliabazzaz: https://twitter.com/dahliabazzaz/status/1265763117809537024
